Alex is a four-year-old boy who lives with his parents and three siblings in Tanzania. His parents are small scale farmers. Alex was brought to Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre in October after having been involved in an accident in 2020, that resulted in burns and deformed toes on both of his feet. His condition makes it painful for Alex to wear shoes or to walk, and the surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, have advised Alex's parents that the optimal treatment would be the amputation of his toes. As small scale farmers, Alex's parents have struggled during the recent droughts in Tanzania. Therefore, they are looking to you to help fund the $1,088 for the surgery that Alex needs to resume a full and happy life, which is scheduled to take place on December 1st, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Alex’s father says: “Alex is having a hard time walking barefooted. I hope one day he is able to wear shoes and to walk without enduring pain.”

Rem is a 67-year-old widow in Kampong Chhnang province. She has four sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. Her husband passed away 18 years ago, and she lives alone now. Her children live far away, tending their own farms, so she doesn't get to see them very often, and she shared that she is often lonely. At home, she enjoys listening to local monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Rem developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing and sensitive to sunlight. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Rem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Rem shared: "I hope my vision improves and I can do housework, and get around easily by myself. I want to walk to the pagoda by myself."

Ly is a 61-year-old grandmother. She lives with her husband and has one son, four daughters, and seven grandchildren. They are rice farmers in Kampong Chnnang province, which has a 1,500-year-old tradition of making clay pottery which they are proud of. When not working outside, Ly likes to visit the pagoda for ceremonies or listen to the monks pray on the local radio. Two years ago, Ly developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her tearing, cloudy vision, and sensitivity to light. She can no longer cook well or do housework due to her limited vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go many places on her own. When Ly learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and implant a new lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope my eyesight can improve so I can take care of my family again."