Phat is a 44-year-old hospital janitor living in Cambodia. She was widowed ten years ago after her husband died in a motorbike accident. Since his death, Phat has focused on working and caring for their three children. Six years ago, Phat developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her to experience itchiness, tearing, and impaired vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur because of excessive exposure to the sun, which damages the conjunctiva, causing cells to grow abnormally over the pupil. Phat came to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, for help. On May 2nd, she will undergo a surgical procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, during which the abnormal conjunctiva will be removed and replaced with a conjunctival graft, which should prevent a recurrence of this condition. The total cost of her procedure- including medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days- is $225, and Phat needs your help to fund this money. Phat said: "I hope after surgery I [will] feel happy and I don’t worry anymore, and I can go back to my job."

Pov is a 60-year-old loving grandmother who lives in Kampong Cham province with her husband. She has 2 daughters, 3 sons, and 7 grandchildren. Pov and her husband are rice farmers, but she has stopped working due to deteriorating vision. About 6 months ago, Pov developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, which is worrying for her. When Pov learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for 3 hours seeking treatment. On September 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Pov is able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery but needs help raising $253. She shared, "I hope I can have surgery so I can see around my house, and my family won't worry about me anymore. I also want to help my husband at work and be able to support my family."

Wayen is an 8-month-old baby from Haiti. He lives with his mother, grandmother, and two older siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. His mother works as a market vendor. Wayen has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, which means that a hole exists between two major blood vessels near his heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. The surgery he needs is not available in Haiti, so Wayen will travel to Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On September 13th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will insert a catheter into the hole and expand a device to plug it, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Gift of Life International is contributing $3,000 towards the cost of the surgery, and Wayen's family needs help with the remaining $1,500 to cover the cost of labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. This money will also support passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance who will accompany Wayen's family overseas. Wayen's mother shared, "I will be praying for everyone who is helping my son to become healthy."