Fritz is a 30-year-old man from the Philippines. He is the only member of his family with a stable job, and his income covers their house rent and daily expenses. Once an avid basketball player, Fritz has had to give up the sport because of his condition and now spends his free time watching videos on his phone instead. Access to surgery would help him return to work without pain, support his family, and regain the active life he once enjoyed. For six years, Fritz has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His hernia has become increasingly painful, making it difficult to perform the physical demands of his work, raising fears that he could lose his livelihood if his condition remains untreated. Fortunately, our medical partner can help Frtiz receive the care he needs. On July 24th, Fritz will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Fritz's treatment. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Fritz said, "I hope this surgery will allow me to work without pain again and continue providing for my family. I also look forward to playing basketball again once I have fully recovered."

Yirga is a 72-year-old man from Ethiopia. He is a retired gas station worker and lives with his wife. Together, they have four adult children who remain actively involved in their lives. Ten years ago, Yirga underwent cataract surgery on his right eye, which restored his eyesight. Three years ago, doctors found another cataract in his left eye. At first, Yirga could manage his daily responsibilities despite the cataract. However, the cataract continued to grow and affect his sight. Yirga began experiencing challenges with reading, recognizing faces, and performing daily chores. Additionally, he had depth perception issues, making it difficult for him to walk independently. Eventually, Yirga became completely reliant on his children to guide him safely through each day. Fortunately, on November 4th, Yirga will undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Yirga hopes to regain his independence and dignity and return to an active life.

Hai is a 73-year-old man from Cambodia. He works in a rice mill. He is divorced and has two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. He lives with his daughter, who works in a garment factory. During his free time, he likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Hai developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Hai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 19th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Hai said, "When I can see better again, I want to go to the pagoda, walk around my home, and take care of myself."