29-year-old Nathaniel is a hardworking father from the Philippines. Through his work as a housekeeper, he supports his wife, daughter and stepdaughter. Nathaniel has been living with an indirect inguinal hernia for many years. He has been doing hard, physical work ever since he was eight years old, and has been experiencing symptoms for quite a while. When his pain increased dramatically, he sought medical advice for the first time, and has been advised to undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is helping Nathaniel access the treatment that he needs. He is now scheduled for surgery on January 20th, at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. While a portion of the cost of Nathaniel's procedure will be paid for by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, World Surgical Foundation Philippines is seeking your help to cover the remaining $1,103. Nathaniel said: "Thank you very much for your help. Your help will not go in vain because when I recover, I will still continue to be a provider and a good father to my daughters. I am not the only one who will benefit from this surgery, but my family too, so I am very grateful."

Ritchina is a 7-month-old baby girl from Haiti. She lives with both of her loving parents and her older brother. Ritchina has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Ritchina has been experiencing increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Ritchina will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Ritchina at Hospital Bernard Mevs that will treat her hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on January 4th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Ritchina's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Ritchina will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Her parents are hopeful that surgery will allow their child to grow up healthy.

Theam is a 52-year-old mother of two from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal province with her husband, who works in construction, and her two daughters, one of whom is married, and the other who is at school in Grade 11. Theam sells noodles near the local market and also raises chickens so she can sell eggs at the markets. Eleven years ago, Theam was in a motorbike accident and lost consciousness. Since that time, she has suffered from ear infections from a perforated ear drum, and she has regular discharge from her left ear. As a result, Theam experiences ear pain, ringing in the ears, and headaches, including chronic drainage from her ear. It is difficult for her to sleep, and her hearing suffers. Theam traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 15th, she will undergo a procedure to repair the hole in her left ear. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Theam's husband said: "We really hope for this treatment so Theam will have a healthy ear, stop ear discharge or infection, and can improve hearing as well."