Kuntha is a 61-year-old corn farmer from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Cham Province with her elderly mother and her fourth sister, who works at a bank. She is the eldest of five siblings. While all of her younger siblings are married, she remains single. She enjoys listening to monks prayers and growing vegetables around her home in her free time. About 10 years ago, Kuntha noticed a small lump on the left side of the front of her neck. The lump gradually became larger over time. After evaluation at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter affecting the left thyroid lobe. Although the lump is not painful, it has become more noticeable over the years, making her worried about her health and self-conscious about the appearance of her neck. She also fears that it may continue to grow if left untreated. Kuntha traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 13th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Kuntha is contributing to her treatment, but needs help to raise an additional $294 to fund the procedure. She said, “I hope this surgery will remove the lump and give me peace of mind. I have worried about it for many years, and I am grateful for the chance to finally receive treatment.”

Chhoeung is an 80-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with children and grandchildren. He lives with his wife, and their cost of living is supported by their children. During his free time, he likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. About six months ago, Chhoeung developed a cataract in his right 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 Chhoeung learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Chhoeung has contributed towards his treatment, but still needs to raise an additional $213 for the procedure. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, so I can easily recognize my relatives, get around independently, and join ceremonies."

Believe is a six-month-old and the youngest of six children from Tanzania. His mother works hard to support her children on her own by farming maize. Her earnings are enough to cover lunch and dinner for her family, but little is left to meet additional expenses. Believe was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is turned inward, making it difficult to wear shoes and walk without discomfort. Believe's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, to seek care. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Believe's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his feet will develop properly, allowing him to wear regular shoes and live an active childhood. “I worried that I could not afford treatment for my son. I am grateful that Kafika House has given us hope and the chance for him to grow up able to walk comfortably,” says Believe's mother.