Phoeun is a loving grandmother and retired rice farmer. Sadly, her husband passed away three years ago. Since then, Phoeun has been living with her oldest daughter in Kandal province, and helps care for her grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with family and volunterring at her local temple. Around four years ago, Phoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Phoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 20th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again and reclaim more independence in life. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope I can see faces more clearly and feel comfortable going to the pagoda by myself."

Six-year-old Tay lives with her mother, sister, and brother in a village in Shan State in Burma. Tay's mother is a teacher. When Tay was three years old, she was frequently ill with a rapid heartbeat and fingertips that would turn blue. Her mother brought her to a nearby hospital, where the doctor told them that Tay had congenital heart disease and would need to be treated in Yangon. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tay's mother did not feel it was safe to take Tay to Yangon. When she turned five, Tay's symptoms worsened, and her mother brought her to a hospital in Yangon in August 2022. At the hospital, Tay was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, and her mother was told that Tay would require surgery- which the family could not afford to pay for. Fortunately, Tay's aunt referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, for help. Now Tay is scheduled to undergo atrial septal defect closure at Pun Hlaing Hospital on May 13th. As Tay is becoming progressively more ill- with episodes of rapid breathing and weight loss due to a lack of appetite- this procedure is critical for her health and well-being. Burma Children Medical Fund is seeking $1,500 to cover the cost of Tay's care. “When I learned that my daughter [Tay] needs surgery, I felt very sad and I cried because I cannot afford to pay for her surgery. But when I learned that the organization [BCMF] will support the cost of my daughter’s surgery, I felt very happy and thankful to all the donors and that organization. I want to see her healthy,” said Tay's mother.

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."