Kolaboth is a 21 year-old university student who lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and younger sister. As the first in his family to attend college, Kolaboth is in his third year of studying Economics. Right now, he enjoys research, but he does not know what he would like to do once he graduates. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer with his friends. Around four years ago, Kolaboth began experiencing a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and trouble sleeping. Frequent illness caused him to miss school and he is unable to play sports like he used to. Kolaboth was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Kolaboth, which is scheduled to take place on September 14. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Kolaboth of his symptoms and help him live much more comfortably. He shared, "I hope I can feel better and continue my studies without always having an infection."

Kop is a loving grandmother from Phnom Penh. She is 68 years old, married, and has six children - three sons and three daughters - and ten grandchildren. Her life now revolves around her grandchildren, who are her pride and joy. Kop used to sell fish at the market until, she shared, she became too old to do so. Her children also support her financially. In her free time, she loves listening to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Kop developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty cleaning the house or using the stove to cook due to her limited vision. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is unable to go out on her own. When Kop learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled there hoping for treatment. Fortunately, the doctors at CSC were able to quickly diagnose Kop's cataract and created a treatment plan. On July 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. CSC is requesting $253 to help fund this procedure. Kop said, "After the surgery, I hope to see better and would like to sell Khmer cheese. That way, I can earn some money for myself and help my family."

Eyob is a 21-month-old toddler from Ethiopia. He is a cute baby boy who loves to play with other children. His dad is a security guard in a factory, while his mom is a housewife who occasionally washes clothes for neighbors to supplement the family income which is just enough to meet their basic needs. Eyob's family shared that he was born prematurely at only 1.3 kg. His dad is experiencing a lot of stress because of his child's condition and his inability to pay for his son's treatment. As a result, he left his family for a while but recently reunited with them. His mum suffers from high blood pressure and heart disease. Shortly after his birth, Eyob developed a swelling and couldn’t wear trousers due to it. Eyob has been diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him a bulge that is visible only when he is crying, coughing or straining during a bowel movement. In addition, he can be irritable, have a low appetite, experience burning or aching sensations. His mom took him to a private clinic but couldn’t afford the ultrasound fee, and she returned home crying. After a while, she told her doctor about her baby’s case and the physician called another doctor he knew and asked about the fee for the surgery. The doctor told her that his hospital would perform the surgery but it would cost her more than 40,000.00 birr, about $700. Eyob's mom went back home crying and frustrated. A friend told her to try one more time and go to another health centre. They went there and a doctor and nurse told them it could be corrected; they had interacted with a social worker from Bethany Kids Myungsung Christian Medical Cetnre (BKMCM) who informed them that the partner hospital supports treatment of such conditions for families that cannot afford the treatment. Fortunately, on September 25th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $591 to fund Eyob's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Eyob to live more comfortably and confidently as he grows. Eyob's mom said, “We are highly affected psychologically. I always cry looking at my baby. My husband left the house rather than look at his child in such a condition, even though he loves his family. I hope my child will heal after the surgery. I have faith in God."