Heang is a 70-year-old woman from Cambodia. She used to sell vegetables at the market, but she has stopped working. She lives with her older sister and her nephew, who works as a trailer driver and supports their living expenses. For fun, she likes to go for walks and exercise. About three months ago, Heang 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 Heang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On August 3rd, 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. Heang shared, "I hope my eye surgery will restore my sight so I can recognize my relatives, travel to places further away, and no longer worry about my eyes."

Constant is a two-year-old boy from Malawi. He is the last-born child in a family of four children, and his mother manages the home while his father runs a small electronics business to support the family. Constant has an right inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has brought periods of discomfort and worry to his young life. His mother has watched him grow while also keeping a close eye on the swelling, especially when it becomes more noticeable. At his age, Constant should be free to play, explore and enjoy being a child without his family having to worry about a condition that may require surgery. His parents have sought help because they want to see him treated and able to grow without the discomfort and uncertainty that have accompanied the hernia. After assessment at Nkhoma Hospital, Constant's mother was advised that he would need hernia repair surgery. When the family learnt about the cost of treatment, they were worried as they could not afford the full amount. His mother is hopeful that, with support, her little boy can receive the treatment he needs and be able to grow up healthy, active, and free from the burden of this condition. Fortunately, on August 11th, Constant will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. His family is contributing towards his care, but still needs to raise $421 more for his treatment. Constant’s mother said, “As his mother, all I want is to see Constant grow up healthy and free from this problem. He is still so young, and I want him to be able to play, run and enjoy his childhood without us worrying about the swelling. I am hopeful that with the help of the donor program, he will receive the surgery he needs and have a better future.”

Sabou is a 74-year-old retired fisherwoman from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is a widow with three sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. Her husband died 10 years ago, and Sabou now lives with her eldest daughter, who is a tailor. About one year ago, Sabou 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 reluctant to go out on her own, due to her compromised vision. When Sabou learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours to seek treatment. On April 6th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Sabou should be able to see clearly again. Sabou and her family are able to contribute $50 towards the cost of her treatment, and need help raising $213 more to fund the procedure. She says: "I hope that I will be able to see better after surgery, so that I can go out on my own again."