Tha is a 64-year-old retired construction worker from Cambodia. She is a widow, has one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a construction worker. Tha likes to take care of her grandchildren and make food for them. About one year ago, Tha developed a cataract in her right 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 is not able to go places on her own. When Tha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On October 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification 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 $263 procedure. Tha shared, "I hope after surgery, I can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren. I hope to go to far places and do my housework, and maybe I can grow crops at home."

Ximena is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is a loving, caring, cheerful, and respectful girl who is dedicated to her studies and loves spending time with family and friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher because she likes helping others succeed in their studies. Ximena has had an epigastric hernia, or a protrusion of tissue in her upper abdominal area, for many years. This condition causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially during physical exertion, which limits daily activities and has affected her quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. On July 28th, Ximena will undergo hernia repair surgery, and she and her family are asking for help to raise $1,005 to fund Ximena's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Ximena's parents shared, "Thank you so very much for your generous help and for donating these funds for my daughter’s surgery. Your support means so much to us and gives us hope at this very important time. We will always be deeply grateful for your solidarity."

Brillant is a two-year-old boy from Burundi. His mother is a single mother who farms and sells vegetables in the market to support her three children. One year and nine months ago, Brillant was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a swelling in a sensitive part of his body. He cries often, unable to explain how he feels. He cannot play, run, or sleep through the night. He needs surgery to address his symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Fortunately, on October 2nd, Brillant will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Kibuye Hope Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $197 to fund Brillant's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Brillant's mother shared, “I have no one else to ask. I work every day, but I cannot earn what the hospital needs. Please help my Brillant. Help me give him this surgery so he can grow like other children. I cannot watch him suffer anymore.”