Van is a 75-year-old retired security guard from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is married and has two daughters, two sons, and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife, his oldest daughter, and his oldest son. In his free time, his favorite hobby is listening to spiritual education from monks on his phone. Van has been experiencing cataracts for the past seven months. He 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 he is not able to go places on his own. Van learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek treatment. On September 7th, 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. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $263 more to fund his procedure and care. Van said, "I hope that after the cataract surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see more clearly, recognize my relatives easily, travel to faraway places, and cross the road safely by myself."

Alejandro is a 55-year-old farmer from the Philippines. He is a father of four who supports his family through farm work, which he considers both his livelihood and a meaningful way to stay active. Only one of his children currently has regular employment and helps provide for the household, while his youngest children help him care for their livestock at home. For a year, Alejandro has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His health condition causes him pain and has made it difficult for him to continue working. It has also made it hard for him to eat comfortably, leading to weight loss and reduced strength. He hopes that surgery will help him recover, regain his strength, and return to the farm and the activities he enjoys. On September 26th, Alejandro will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Once completed, this procedure will enable him to live more comfortably and confidently. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are covering part of the cost of Alejandro's treatment, but he needs help raising $520 to fund his procedure and care. Alejandro said, "I am hopeful that, after the surgery, I will be able to eat properly and regain my strength. I look forward to feeling better and returning to the farm so I can continue helping my family."

Choeun is a 46-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. She lives in Takeo Province with her husband, who also works in construction. They have two children; a son who works as a taxi driver, and a daughter who is employed in a garment factory. She enjoys cooking for her family, and especially preparing meals for her elderly parents and husband. About a month ago, Choeun was in a road traffic accident and sustained severe soft tissue injury to her right leg. Although there was no fracture, the injured area got infected, leading to a serious wound condition diagnosed as gas gangrene. Choeun has been experiencing significant pain, swelling, and a foul-smelling discharge from the infected wound on her right leg. The condition has affected her mobility and prevented her from continuing her physically demanding construction work. When Choeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and half hours seeking treatment. On May 13th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to help remove infected and necrotic tissue, control the spread of infection, and promote wound healing to prevent further complications. Choeun and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $392 more to fund the procedure. Choeun says: “I hope that this treatment will heal my leg completely, so I can live without pain, and return to my normal daily activities. I wish to regain my strength and be able to care for my family without discomfort or worry.”