Ferdinand is a father of two from the Philippines. He has one son and one daughter. Both he and his wife both work as public school teachers. Their income is still insufficient for their needs, however and, in addition to supporting their children, part of their salary goes to their medication for diabetes and hypertension. In September, Ferdinand began to experience several troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain. He was rushed to an emergency room to be treated. The ultrasound test showed that he has gallstones. Ferdinand has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and will put him at risk of further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Ferdinand is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on December 3rd. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $826 to cover the cost of Ferdinand's surgery and care. "Because of my condition, I'm in constant pain which hinders me from doing my usual activities. I've tried to reach out for help to our local government but was unsuccessful," Ferdinand shared. "I am glad there are foundations like Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines that exist. I'm forever grateful for the help that you've given me," he added.

Thin is a 20-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his mother, father, and older brother in Kampong Thom province. When he is not in the rice paddies, he likes to play volleyball with his friends. A week ago, Thin suffered an injury to his left forearm from a rice harvest. He went to a local clinic for wound care but was still in pain. At the suggestion of a villager, the family drove three and a half hours to reach our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for further care. Doctors at CSC diagnosed Thin with compartment syndrome in his injured forearm. This is a condition that occurs when pressure within the damaged muscles builds to dangerous levels. This puts pressure on nerves and muscles. This can be very traumatizing for a young man. Thin is in pain, cannot move his arm, and there is no pulse on that extremity. Although doctors hoped to save his arm, it was determined that he needs an amputation. The cost of this procedure is $479, and Thin and his family need help to raise the fund. Thin hopes to be relieved of his pain after the surgery. Thin's mother said, "We are worried about our son, and hope after the surgery his pain will be less."

Chanthoeun is a 53-year-old homemaker from Cambodia. She lives in Phnom Penh with her husband and has one son, two daughters, and a grandchild to keep her busy. At home, she enjoys cooking, doing her housework, and caring for her grandchild. Five years ago, Chanthoeun had an ear infection. This infection caused her right ear's tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, to perforate. As a result, Chanthoeun experiences ear discharge, tinnitus, hearing loss, and sometimes cannot sleep well at night. She has taken medicine from a local pharmacy for treatment but has not seen any improvement. Chanthoeun traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 16th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Chanthoeun needs help raising $487 to fund her procedure and inpatient care. She said: "After surgery, I hope my ear stops having frequent infections and improves my hearing."