Ernesto is a widower and father of three from the Philippines. Ernesto enjoys watching TV and using his mobile phone during his free time. He is currently unemployed due to his condition and physical limitations as a senior citizen. He helps his children by taking care of his grandchildren and accompanying them to school every day. He lives with his second child and is dependent on his income as a driver. Six months ago, Ernesto began experiencing numbness in his foot and upper body. He was diagnosed with inguinal bilateral hernia and was advised to undergo surgery. On March 9th, Ernesto will have hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Ernesto's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ernesto shared, "I hope you can continue to help more people like us. I am very grateful and I will carry your kindness in me until my dying breath. Thank you very much."

Kah is a 41-year-old man from Burma. He works as a community development worker and his wife is a farmer who grows paddy and crops for their own consumption. Sometimes, Kah works as a day laborer when he has free time. Kah has been experiencing severe stomach pain that would not go away with medication. Doctors want Kah to undergo a CT scan which will help doctors diagnose his condition and come up with an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $469 to cover the cost of Kah's CT scan and care, scheduled for February 29th. Kah’s wife said, "We found it very difficult when we heard that we have to go to Thailand for treatment because we don't have enough money and we know it will cost a lot. I am stressed and can't sleep but when I was told that there's an organization and donors who can help my husband's treatment, I feel relieved. Thank you so much for your support."

Kalar is a 53-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother and daughter in Htantabin Township, Yangon Division village. Kalar used to sell vegetables, but she stopped in October because her condition was worsening. Kalar's mother is a homemaker. Kalar's daughter left school three years ago because she couldn't afford the school fees. Currently, she is working in a restaurant. Their monthly income is not enough for their daily expenses, and they have to borrow money from their friends to make ends meet and pay for basic medical costs. In 2017, Kalar's upper abdomen was in pain, and she went to a hospital in the village. There, she received an ultrasound, and the doctor told her that she had a small stone in her gall bladder and she would need medication to reduce the stone. She felt much better after taking the medication, and she didn't go to any clinic or hospital after that. In October 2023, Kalar's symptoms returned, and she visited the hospital in the town where she received the ultrasound. At the hospital, the doctor confirmed that Kalar had a large gallstone and would require surgery to heal. She could not afford to pay for the surgery, so she received medication and returned home. Her condition gradually got worse. Kalar has not been eating or sleeping well and is in pain. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Kalar will be able to undergo gallbladder removal surgery on November 18th. BCMF requests $1,487 to cover Kalar's procedure and care costs. Kalar said, "I was upset because I couldn't work and support my mother and daughter. Now, I am so happy! I want to say thank you to all of the donors for supporting my surgery."