Ashin Mala is a 30-year-old monk from Burma. He became a monk a year ago and currently lives in a monastery in Karen State. He receives two meals a day and cash donations from worshippers. In October 2022, he visited the house of a member of the ethnic armed group in the village. At the home, a child was playing with a pistol and accidentally shot the gun, hitting a wall. Unfortunately, a part of the bullet ricocheted off the wall and hit Mala in his left eye. Immediately, Ashin Mala was brought to a hospital, where an X-ray showed that bullet shards were lodged under his left eye. The doctor removed most of the bullet shards and closed the gunshot wound. Though time has since passed, he still feels pain in his left eye and has lost vision in that eye. He has also developed itchiness and a burning sensation in that eye. Eventually, he was brought to Mae Sot Hospital in Thailand, where, with the help of Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) and Watsi donors, he underwent a CT scan. The results showed multiple foreign bodies in his left eye, most likely shards left from the bullet, and indicated that his left eyeball was most likely ruptured. He was then referred to Chiang Mai Hospital (CMH), where an ophthalmologist told him they would have to remove his left eyeball. He was then admitted for surgery at CMH on February 22nd. Mala needs help raising $1500 to fund this procedure that will relieve him of his pain. Ashin Mala said, "I believe my pain will disappear after the operation. I want to get rid of the pain. Afterward, I will work hard to attend Dhamma University. I want to become a preacher. I will preach about Dharma [the teachings of Buddha] around my country.”

Chin is a 60-year-old retired fish seller from Kandal province in Cambodia. She has one son and one daughter. Sadly, her husband passed away 10 years ago in a motorbike accident. Chin lives with her youngest daughter, who is a garment factory worker. She enjoys watching Cambodian dramas on TV and spending time with her daughter. About two years ago, Chin developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her light sensitivity, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Chin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 9th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I don't have to worry anymore when I go places on my own."

Chhai Lim is a 72-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Chhnang province in Cambodia. He is married and has three daughters, five sons, and eleven grandchildren. Chhai Lim likes to say that while he might be old chronologically, his body is still strong, and he enjoys going to work every day in the rice field with one of his sons. When at home, he likes listening to the news on the radio and spending time with his family. One year ago, Chhai Lim developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and tearing. The impact on his vision has made it difficult for Chhai Lim to continue to go to the rice fields or elsewhere on his own. Chhai Lim learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and he traveled for four and a half hours to seek treatment. On March 20th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now he needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Chhai Lim said: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go back to farming rice."