Elenita is a 60-year-old woman from Philippines. She previously worked as a Registered Midwife but lost her job during the pandemic's peak. She's now reliant on her four children for her daily basic needs. In January, Elenita began to experience troubling symptoms, including lower back pain that's radiating down to her lower extremities. She sought a medical checkup and was told to have an ultrasound and CT scan. The tests revealed that she was suffering from gallstones. These are small stones that are usually made of cholesterol that causes inflammation of the gallbladder. Elenita has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Elenita is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 17th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Elenita's surgery and care. Elenita shared, "Thank you, WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines! You are such a blessing and I will never forget how you save my life. If in the future you will need my service as a midwife, I'm more than willing to help out."

Sophea is a 27-year-old father of two from Cambodia. He lives in a small village with his wife and two sons. Sophea and his wife plant and harvest vegetables to sell from their street cart and provide food for their family's consumption. Twelve years ago, Sophea developed an ear infection that caused a cholesteatoma, or abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind his ear drum. As a result, Sophea experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. It is difficult for him to hear at home and with his customers. Sophea traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 6th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $926 to fund this procedure, which covers all medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sophea also contributed $100 towards his care. Sophea shared that he hopes this surgery will relieve him of symptoms and allow him to finally be able to hear again.

Srey Tey is a playful 3-year-old from Cambodia. She lives in Svay Raing province with her parents and two older siblings. Her mother cares for the children at home, while Srey Tey's dad earns a living as a taxi driver. Srey Tey's favorite things include ice cream, cartoons, and playing with her siblings! Srey Tey's mom had a long and difficult delivery with shoulder dystocia, a condition where one or both of the baby's shoulders get stuck in the birth canal. Since birth, she noticed that Srey Tey has limited movement in her left arm. Srey Tey has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. Currently, she cannot move her left hand and has limited strength and function in her arm. Srey Tey's family brought her to our medical partner's care center for treatment. This is the only center in the country where this treatment is available. On May 11th, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she will have improved function in her arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Srey Tey's family contributed $100 to her care. Srey Tey's mother shared her hopes that, after surgery, Srey Tey will be able to move her hand more easily and start preschool.