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.

Srey is a 65-year-old woman and a retired farmer from Prey Veng, Cambodia. Her husband passed away 20 years ago due to hypertension. She has one daughter, three sons, and five grandchildren. She lives alone, but her daughter, who works as a factory laborer, lives nearby. Srey's favorite hobby is listening to the radio, especially programs about Buddhist teachings and spiritual education. Five years ago, Srey developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Srey learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 3rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Srey can contribute $35, but needs help raising an additional $228 to fund her procedure and care. Srey said, "As I am getting older, I have developed cataracts, which have affected my vision. I hope that after cataract surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can go out more easily, recognize my relatives clearly, and travel to distant places to attend ceremonies and social events without difficulty."

Derly is a 10-year-old girl who lives with her mother in a village in Antioquia, Colombia. She lives with congenital glaucoma, a condition that has required ongoing medical care since she was very young. In addition, about one year ago, she was evaluated by a pediatric dentist, who found multiple deep dental cavities. Since then, Derly has remained under observation. However, the progression of the disease has been unfavorable, leading to significant complications in her oral health. Currently, Derly experiences intense and persistent pain, inflammation, as well as difficulty eating and falling asleep, which impacts her quality of life. The medical team has advised for her to undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia to ensure a comprehensive, safe, and effective procedure. Derly will be receiving support from our medical partner, Clinica Noel. She is scheduled to undergo treatment on May 20th, and Clinica Noel is requesting $1,109 to cover the cost of this procedure. Derly’s mother expressed: "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support; it is a great blessing. Thanks to this noble gesture, Derly will be able to receive the treatment she so desperately needs and, with it, regain her smile and the quality of life that every child deserves. May God reward you."