Rithy Skay is a happy first-grader from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and 3-year-old sister. His father is in the army, and his mom stays at home to look after Rithy Skay and his sister, as well as her aging parents. At school, Rithy Skay likes music class and learning to write the Khmer alphabet. He would like to be in the military when he grows up, like his dad. For the last two years, Rithy Skay has been experiencing a sore throat, snoring, and difficulty swallowing. Being frequently ill causes him to miss school, and he has lost weight in the last six months due to skipping meals because of the pain he experiences swallowing. Rithy Skay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, on May 8th, Rithy Skay will undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, in which surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids. The surgery will relieve Rithy Skay's symptoms and help him live much more comfortably. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), requests $265 to fund this procedure. When asked about their hopes for his future, Rithy Skay's parents shared their hopes that he can be healthy and no longer have to miss school.

Meet Eva, a beautiful two-week-old newborn from Tanzania! Her mother had a smooth delivery and is overjoyed with her new baby. Eva also has a sibling, and her family lives in a small, remote village. Eva’s family depends on small-scale agriculture for food and income. Unfortunately, agriculture has not been enough, and they are trying to find different sources of income, but with no success so far. Eva was born with clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Eva’s mother shared concerns about the challenges Eva will face growing up. Eva’s family traveled to visit our medical partner’s care center; on May 5th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund Eva’s clubfoot repair. After treatment and with proper therapy, Eva can learn to walk as she grows. Eva’s mother says, “I am relieved to hear that my daughter has a chance to get treatment that will help with her condition. I hope she grows to face no stigma in her life.”

Sun is a 60-year-old grandmother from Phnom Penh. She is married with one daughter, two sons, and eight grandchildren. Sun and her husband have recently moved to Phnom Penh to live with one of their sons, who works in a nearby garment factory. Before moving to the city, Sun and her husband were farmers living in a rural area. Her hobbies are cooking and listening to monks chanting on the local radio station. About eight years ago, Sun developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The abnormal growth of cells over the pupil causes Sun to have difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Sun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for an hour seeking treatment. Sun needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva growth from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 30th. She said, "I hope after surgery my eye stops hurting, and I can take care of my grandchildren."