Lay is a 74-year-old grandfather from Kampong Cham province. He has been married for many years and has two daughters who are both married, and four grandchildren. Before Lay retired, he was a rice farmer with his wife. They are now supported by their daughters, who live nearby. At home, he likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio and visit with his grandchildren. Three years ago, Lay developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision and pain. He is unable to go outside in the bright sun or travel far from home due to poor vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Lay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for five and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Lay shared: "I am hoping after surgery I can finally see better and take care of myself."

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."

Rosette is a mother of two children and the sole breadwinner of her family. She shared that she and her husband separated due to family conflicts. Her children are still in high school. Together they all live with Rosette's parents, but she hopes to build her own house when she gets sufficient money. Rosette runs a small retail shop and does farming on the side to meet her family's basic needs. For two years, Rosette has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and bleeding. She has been diagnosed with multiple uterine myomas. In November, she was admitted to a hospital due to anemia and had to undergo a blood transfusion. She had surgery recommended but could not raise the money needed. She came to Nyakibale Hospital where she met our medical partner who can now help her access the surgery she needs. Doctors recommend she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Rosette's surgery. On December 8th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Rosette will be able to resume her daily activities, finally free of pain and with new strength. Rosette says: “The only hope I am left with for a complete recovery is to undergo surgery. Please support my request."