Ernesto is a widower and father of three from the Philippines. Ernesto enjoys watching TV and using his mobile phone during his free time. He is currently unemployed due to his condition and physical limitations as a senior citizen. He helps his children by taking care of his grandchildren and accompanying them to school every day. He lives with his second child and is dependent on his income as a driver. Six months ago, Ernesto began experiencing numbness in his foot and upper body. He was diagnosed with inguinal bilateral hernia and was advised to undergo surgery. On March 9th, Ernesto will have hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Ernesto's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ernesto shared, "I hope you can continue to help more people like us. I am very grateful and I will carry your kindness in me until my dying breath. Thank you very much."

Sophors is a 19-year-old truck driver from Cambodia. He is the eldest of three children. Sophors father works as a rice farmer, while his mother is a factory worker. In his free time, Sophors enjoys learning to cook different recipes. Last year Sophors was in a traffic accident that caused an open fracture of his upper right arm. He was sent to a local hospital where he received treatment with an external fixator that was used to keep his fractured bones stabilized and in alignment. Now, the hardware is exposed and infected. It is difficult for him to use his hand and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) can help. On April 19th, Sophors will undergo a hardware removal procedure to help clear up the infection and enable him to move his hand easily again. Sophors is able to contribute $50 towards the cost of his treatment and needs help raising $254 more to fund the operation and his post-op care. Sophors said, "I hope I have no more pain and can move my hand more easily."

Mom is a 65-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. Widowed five years ago, she lives with her youngest daughter, who works at a nearby garment factory. She has six other children who have all moved out to nearby villages or the capital city in search of better job opportunities. Mom has twelve grandchildren who visit often. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and listening to the local Buddhist radio station. About two months ago, Mom developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Mom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 3rd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Mom shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I easily get around and I would help my daughter by taking the kids to school."