Sophy is from Takeo province in Cambodia. She and her husband work as rice farmers and have two sons, three daughters, and five grandchildren. Due to her deteriorating vision, Sophy has not been able to work as much and has been spending more time at home caring for her grandchildren. In her free time, she likes going to the pagoda to pray and cook for her family. Around two years ago, Sophy developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her to experience itchiness and watery eyes. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Sophy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sophy needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 4th. Sophy said, "I want my eye to stop hurting because I want to go back to work and be able to take care of my family."

Sophanna is a 36-year-old garment factory worker. She lives in Kampot province with her husband and two children. Due to a chronic medical condition, her husband has not been able to work the past couple of years. Because of this, Sophanna and her 16-year-old daughter are the breadwinners in their family. When not at work, Sophanna enjoys spending time with her kids and cooking. Ten years ago, Sophanna had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Sophanna experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. It is difficult for her to hear at work and at home Sophanna traveled to our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) to receive treatment. On June 27th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her right ear, where ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Her family is able to contribute $100 to the surgery, and she needs only $926 to fully fund the procedure. Sophanna shared that she wants to stop feeling unwell and improve her hearing so that she can enjoy her time at home with her family.

Fary is an energetic 9-year-old from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and older brother in Kratie province. Fary's parents earn a living as rubber tree farmers. His favorite subject in school is P.E., and his dream is to be a professional soccer player when he grows up. In his free time, Fary likes playing soccer with his friends in the village. When Fary was one year old, he accidentally spilled boiling water from the rice pot on his hands. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin on his hands and fingers. As a result, it is difficult for him to use his hands, making it hard for him to do things like write or play with his friends. When Fary's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On May 3rd, Fary will undergo burn contracture release surgery to improve the function in his hands. CSC is requesting $495 to fund this procedure. Fary's family contributed $100 to his care. His mom shared: "After surgery, I hope Fary can bend his fingers and feel better when he's at school."