Tha is a 72-year-old military retiree from Cambodia who lives alone in rural Kampong Chhang province. His wife passed away twenty years ago, and he has been living alone. He helps care for his eight grandchildren who live nearby. All five of Tha's children help support him financially through their work in farming and construction. In his free time, Tha enjoys going to the pagoda to pray and watching the evening news. About two years ago, Tha developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Tha learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 19th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Tha and his family are able to contribute $25 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $228 more to fully fund the operation. Tha shared, "For two years, I am feeling scared to drive my motorbike because I cannot see clearly. I would like to be able to drive to see my grandchildren or to the far away pagoda on my own."

Nhem is a 77-year-old retired rice farmer from Kandal province. She is has been a widow for 40 years since her husband was killed by the Khmer Rouge. She lives with her daughter, who is also a farmer, and her three grandchildren. At home, she enjoys listening to the radio, especially when the monks pray, and she likes to visit the pagoda. For the last five months, Nhem's vision has been getting worse. She developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. In addition to being unable to travel to her favorite pagoda alone, she feels badly that she requires more assistance with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning. When Nhem learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Nhem needs help raising $253 to fully fund this procedure. She said, "I hope that after the surgery, my eye will improve and I will be able to see better. I want to help my daughter with the children and the housework, and I want to join the ceremonies and go to the pagoda without any trouble."

Ren is a 43-year-old rice farmer. Residing in Pursat province, she and her husband have three daughters. Their eldest, a 17-year-old, has transitioned from school to assisting her parents on the family farm. The middle daughter, aged 12, attends the 5th grade, while the youngest, a one-year-old, remains in the care of other close relatives at home. Six months ago, while carrying a large bundle, Ren slipped and fell, fracturing the bones in her right forearm. The family did not have the financial means to go to a hospital and visited a Khmer healer. Despite receiving treatment, her fracture persists without healing, and she has now developed a rash on her arm as a side effect of the traditional treatment. Her pain radiates sharply to her thumb, and she is unable to use her arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 8th, Ren will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. Following three days of traction involving the use of weights, pulleys, and ropes to delicately apply pressure and realign the bones, surgeons are preparing to proceed with an open reduction internal fixation surgery to address her fractures. After surgery Ren will have improved mobility of her arm. Ren said: "I hope my bones are back in place to be fixed, and I can use my arm again after this operation, and have no more pain."