Thanun is a fourth grader from Cambodia. His favorite subject is history, and he likes to play soccer with his friends after school. While Thanun and his younger sister are in school, his parents practice farming in the rice fields close to their home to earn a living for their family. Since Thanun was a year old, he has had a mass near his upper lip. In the last year, the mass has grown in size, causing him discomfort, especially when talking and eating, as well as occasional bleeding. Thanun's family traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 5th, surgeons will remove the mass. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $273 to fund this procedure. Thanun's family contributed $100 to his care. When asked about their hopes for the surgery, Thanun mom shared that she hopes he can feel more comfortable and be able to focus at school.

Gift is a 46-year-old married man with five children. His wife works in a hair salon while Gift is a farmer. Gift and his family live in Malawi in a rented house without water and electricity. Gift likes to go fishing in his free time. Last September, Gift noted a swelling in his right inguinal region that subsided when he was lying down. Gift was concerned and went to a doctor. Because it was difficult for him to talk about his condition with the doctor, he simply mentioned that he was experiencing abdominal pains and was provided with pain killers. Gift took the medicine he had been given, but returned to the doctor when his condition didn't improve. After being assessed, Gift was given a diagnosis of a right inguinal hernia and he was informed that he would need surgery. The frequency of episodes of swelling has increased and his ability to work and earn an income has been negatively affected. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the cost of Gift's treatment. On May 3rd, Gift will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Hospital. After he has recovered, Gift should be able to return to work and go fishing again. Gift believes the operation will improve his condition and enable him to continue caring for his family. Gift said: “It’s like I am dreaming. I can’t wait to get better and be a responsible father."

Koem Sry is a 56-year-old rice farmer from Kandal province. He is a father of two daughters, five sons, and ten grandchildren. He lives with his wife, a daughter, and their youngest son. At home, Koem likes to listen to the news on the radio and watch Kun Khmer boxing on the TV. Five years ago, Koem Sry developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Many years of frequent, chronic exposure to working in the sunlight contributed to the formation of his cataracts. When Koem Sry learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 16th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Koem shared, "I hope I can see clearly again after surgery. I want to be able to look after my family well."