Sok Khorn is a 73-year-old widow with three sons, four daughters, and many grandchildren. Her husband passed away during the Khmer Rouge era, so she lives with her oldest daughter who is a farmer. She helps with cooking for the family, caring for her grandchildren, and likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Three years ago, Sok Khorn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia and blurry vision. Doing household tasks has become frustrating for Sok Khorn and she feels like there is a film covering her eye. When Sok Khorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 13th, 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 again. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. She says "I hope after surgery I can be more independent, and help my daughter with the house and my grandchildren."

Chetra is a bright and active 15-year-old from Cambodia with big goals. He has three sisters and is the third child in his family. His father unfortunately passed away several years ago, so his mother single-handedly supports their family by working in a garment factory. Chetra enjoys playing football, playing games, and listening to music. He is currently in grade nine, and he thrives in math and Khmer literature. In the future, he aspires to be a lawyer. When Chetra was only six years old, a finger on his left hand was damaged by an electric burn. After the accident, his mother took him to a hospital to receive care for his wound, but he developed a contracture, which is the shortening and hardening of tendons and other tissue. This leads to the tightening of the skin surrounding the burn. Several years ago, Chetra underwent surgery in hopes of healing his condition, but there was unfortunately no improvement. He is currently unable to hold objects using his left hand and is in pain when he tries to straighten his finger. When Chetra learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 25th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use his left hand easily again. This procedure will include a skin graft to cover the wound. Now, he and his family need help to fund this $495 procedure. Chetra says, "I hope I can use my finger again soon and can grip things."

Hellen is a charming and playful 3-year-old girl, living with her mother. They live with Hellen's grandparents who are also helping to raise her. The grandparents are small scale farmers, who rely on the crops that they grow, and on any income their surplus crops generate. While Hellen was born a healthy child, her mother noticed that when she began to walk, her legs bent outwards. Ultimately, Hellen was diagnosed with bilateral varus, a condition which is typically caused by the accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, which results from the drinking of contaminated water. Hellen now walks with a limp, and has pain in her knees when she walks. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Hellen. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment will hopefully restore Hellen's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of any future complications. Hellen’s mother says: “I have watched my daughter's legs move from bad to worse for two years, but I cannot afford to seek treatment for her. I am in dire need of your support.”