Lowena is a dedicated community health worker from the Philippines. She assists with maternal care and child health services in her community. She works three times a week in the field and will soon help with a measles vaccination program for children. Her son, Randy, drives a school bus, and together they provide for the family. Lowena enjoys singing in her free time and considers her fieldwork her exercise, as it keeps her active through frequent walking. Forty-four years ago, Lowena began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain, significant discomfort, and occasional bleeding. She was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. For a long time, Lowena postponed her own treatment to care for her sick grandchild, but after seeing the child recover and learning about hospital support, she decided it was time to prioritize her health. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lowena receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on May 5th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her hemorrhoids. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Lowena's procedure and care. "Having this surgery is a huge blessing, especially for people like me who cannot afford treatment. I hope Watsi continues helping more people, because helping others brings happiness," Shared Lowena.

Jonathan is a 46-year-old farmer from the Philippines. He has been unable to work due to his current condition. One year ago, Jonathan began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, which caused him extreme difficulty moving. Jonathan was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Jonathan is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on July 17th. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Jonathan's surgery and care. Jonathan shared, "I am grateful for the chance to receive surgery because it gives me hope of getting back on my feet. I look forward to returning to work and providing for my family again."

Lin is a 35-year-old fish seller from Prey Veng province. He is married and has one son and one daughter. He lives together, his wife is also a fish seller, and his children are students. In his free time, he likes to listen to the news on his phone and play volleyball. About one year ago, Lin developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience 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 Lin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On June 10, 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. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Lin said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I can go back to selling fish well again, and I can drive my motorcycle and bring my children to school easily, and can go far places well."