Demise is a 64-year-old farmer from Ethiopia. He and his wife work together on their farm and have twelve children. A year ago, Demise developed a cataract in his left eye and was diagnosed at a government-funded hospital. However, due to a scheduling error, Demise never received proper treatment. Now, Demise has thick, cloudy vision. He has difficulty walking on uneven ground, detecting familiar faces, and reading his Bible. Moreover, Demise finds farm work difficult and relies heavily on his family to manage his responsibilities. Fortunately, on November 4th, Demise will undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens, improving Demise's blurry vision. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Demise states, "After a year of waiting, I only want to work my land again, see my family's faces clearly, and read my Bible. I want to stand on my own and not be a burden to anyone."

Saroeun is a 37-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who is also a rice farmer, and their two children. Their eldest child is in Grade 2, and their youngest is 13 months old. In his free time, he enjoys taking care of his children and feeding the family's chickens. In September 2018, Saoeun was involved in a motorcycle traffic accident that caused a closed fracture of his right femur. He underwent surgery the same day at a government hospital, and the fracture was stabilized with a locking nail. Although the fracture has healed well, he often experiences pain in his right thigh during cold weather, which makes farming and some daily activities uncomfortable. The metal implant is no longer needed and is believed to be contributing to his discomfort. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 17th, Saroeun will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will relieve his pain, improve his comfort, and allow him to continue farming and caring for his family without discomfort related to the implant. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund his procedure and care. Saroeun said, “I hope removing the metal implant will stop the pain I feel during cold weather. I want to continue farming comfortably and carry out my daily activities without worrying about my leg.”

Youen is an 80-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is a widow, as her husband died during the Khmer Rouge. She has two sons, two daughters, and 15 grandchildren. She lives with her second daughter, who is a rice farmer. Yoeun likes to listen to monks' spiritual education over the radio. About one year ago, Youen developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Youen learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to help fund her procedure and care. Youen said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I hope to easily recognize people and move more comfortably."