Som Orn is a 53-year-old rice farmer. She shared that her husband passed away ten years ago due to liver cancer. Som Orn has three sons, three daughters, and two grandchildren. Her children all work in construction, and she works in the rice fields. At home, Som Orn likes to listen to the news on the radio. Five years ago, Som Orn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Som Orn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for six and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Som Orn said: "After surgery, I hope I will see better. I can plant rice or find a job to earn money to support my family."

Minea is a 10-year-old student from Cambodia. She is a bright and ambitious 5th grader whose favorite subject is math. Her dream is to attend university to become an accountant. In her free time, she loves eating pork fried rice and reading books. At home, she lives with her grandparents while her parents work 2.5 hours away in a factory. When Minea was 2 years old, she got an electrical burn on her left hand, causing tightening of the skin on her fingers, making it difficult to use her left hand. She feels embarrassed and wants to be able to play sports and use both hands. When Minea and her family learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 22nd, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve the function of her hand. Now, her family needs help funding this $487 procedure. After surgery, she and her family hope that she can move her fingers easily.

Rajai is a 13-year-old student from Tanzania. He loves science classes and enjoys playing football and racing track at school. At home, his parents and two older siblings are farmers who rely on the crop yield to support the family. When Rajai was 8 years old, he stumbled while playing with his siblings and fell, injuring his left arm. Although his parents rushed him to the hospital, the skin and fingers on his left hand were damaged. As a result, he isn't able to use his arm in most of his day-to-day activities. At school, he feels self-conscious when new people are shocked upon seeing his injury. Rajai would also like to help more around the farm at home, but feels that his hand limits him. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Rajai with treatment. On March 9th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use his hand freely again. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Rajai says, “I am hopeful that this treatment will increase my confidence around new people.”