Sophal is a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives in a small town on the Mekong river that is famous for having a small population of freshwater dolphins. Sophal has five sons, one daughter, and fifteen grandchildren that keep her busy. Her husband has also retired from their rice farm. Their daughter lives with them and farms rice and lotus for a living. Sophal shared that some of her favorite activities include joining ceremonies at her local pagoda, cooking, and looking after her house. About seven months ago, Sophal developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and sensitivity to light. 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 Sophal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for eight and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 5th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Sophal shared: "I hope my vision improves, and I can do housework and get around easily by myself. I want to walk to the pagoda by myself."

Teddy is a 64 year old retired teacher, living with her husband in Uganda. Both Teddy and her husband work as small scale farmers, planting beans and potatoes, primarily for their own, personal consumption. For the past five years, Teddy has been having lower abdominal pains that are relieved temporarily by medication. She also experiences nausea and headaches almost all of the time. As her pains have recently increased in severity, Teddy decided to seek treatment at Rushoroza Hospital, where she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Teddy has had to stop working due to her ongoing symptoms, and she cannot raise the money to cover the costs of the hysterectomy that the doctors have told her that she needs. ur medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $319 for Teddy's procedure, which is scheduled to take place on December 2nd, at Rushoroza Hospital. Teddy looks forward to being able to resume living and working, free from her current pain and symptoms. Teddy says: “I finally have hope of living a normal life once again. I pray for a successful surgery so that I may be able to continue with farming and my life."

Channet is a bright, 14-year-old student, living in Cambodia. Channet was orphaned when he was a young child, and now lives with his oldest sister. In addition, he has six other siblings to look after him. In school, his favorite subjects are social science and mathematics, and he hopes to be a math teacher when he completes his studies. Six years ago Channet developed an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his left ear to perforate. As a result, Channet experiences ear discharge, pain, fever, tinnitus and hearing loss. He struggles to communicate with those around him, and he has stopped attending school due to his hearing loss and frequent infections. Channet sought help from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and he is now scheduled to undergo a myringoplasty at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre on December 21st. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation, improving Channet's ability to hear, and preventing further infections. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $487 to fund this procedure, and all of the medications, supplies, and inpatient care that Channet will need. Channet shared: "I hope after the operation I will feel better, get my hearing back, speak well with others, and enjoy going back to school."