Garoma is a farmer from Ethiopia. This 70-year-old farmer has worked the land all his life alongside his wife, who farms with him. Together they raised eight children, four sons and four daughters. He lives in a rural area with two of his children and his grandchildren, and he still farms to feed the family and pay his grandchildren's school fees. For more than thirteen years he has lived with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Three years ago his symptoms became much worse. He went to the nearest health centre, but there was no surgeon there who could operate, so he was sent home to cope as best he could. His condition has now grown serious. He travelled to the city, where his eldest daughter lives, to find proper care. Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis and told him he needs surgery, but his family cannot afford it. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund the procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 29th and, once completed, will improve Garoma's quality of life. Garoma shared, "I just want to live without this pain and discomfort, and without the shame I carry every day."

Sarin is a 55-year-old Khmer noodle maker from Cambodia. She is married and has two daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who has a disability and is unable to work. Her two children are construction workers. In her free time, she likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Sarin 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Sarin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On October 29th, 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. Sarin shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go back to work and not worry about my eye anymore."

Yirga is a 72-year-old man from Ethiopia. He is a retired gas station worker and lives with his wife. Together, they have four adult children who remain actively involved in their lives. Ten years ago, Yirga underwent cataract surgery on his right eye, which restored his eyesight. Three years ago, doctors found another cataract in his left eye. At first, Yirga could manage his daily responsibilities despite the cataract. However, the cataract continued to grow and affect his sight. Yirga began experiencing challenges with reading, recognizing faces, and performing daily chores. Additionally, he had depth perception issues, making it difficult for him to walk independently. Eventually, Yirga became completely reliant on his children to guide him safely through each day. Fortunately, on November 4th, Yirga will undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Yirga hopes to regain his independence and dignity and return to an active life.