Joemer is a hard-working street vendor from Philippines. He is the breadwinner in the family. He earns money by cooking and selling local delicacies and his earning of $4 daily is just enough to bring food to the table. In January 2020, Joemer began to experience troubling symptoms. He sought medical consultation and was told to undergo an ultrasound. The test showed that he has a 1.2cm gallstone. Due to the financial crisis, he decided to delay his treatment and opted to take pain relievers instead. His pain intensifies forcing him to be checked again by a surgeon. Joemer 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), Joemer is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on March 7th. 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 Joemer's surgery and care. Joemer shared, "I'm truly grateful to WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for being one of your beneficiaries. Your hearts are so kind for helping out people like me who are sick but not capable of paying for our needed surgery."

Tang Im is a 68-year-old grandmother. She is a retired rice farmer and has two daughters, four sons, and 15 grandchildren. Currently, she lives with her aging husband and with her youngest daughter who works in a local restaurant. At home, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Tang Im developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her light sensitivity, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Tang Im learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 21st, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Tang Im shared: "I hope after surgery I can see well again. I want to be able to take care of myself and my grandchildren well."

Bronh is a 63-year-old widower. A retired fisherman, he has one son, six daughters, and 16 grandchildren. He lost his wife several years ago and lives with one of his daughters, who is also a fisherman. He now stays at home, listening to the news on the radio or watching TV, but is lonely because he stays home by himself most of the day. Two years ago, Bronh developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him cloudy vision and difficulty seeing in bright or low light. He is no longer able to throw a net to catch fish due to his poor vision. When Bronh learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Bronh shared: "I hope after my eye operation I can help my daughter with fishing and teach my grandchildren to fish too."