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.

Helen is an eight-year-old girl from Colombia. She is currently in the 3rd grade, and enjoys participating in school activities, and reading stories. Helen dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Helen has an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. The condition makes it painful for her to play, and limits activities that require physical strength. She sometimes experiences discomfort or tenderness in the affected area. Fortunately, on April 16th, our medical partner, Clínica Noel, will perform Helen's hernia repair surgery to help her live a healthier life. Helen's family is unable to raise the required treatment costs, and are seeking support to raise $786 to fund her surgery and care. Helen's mom said, "I am deeply grateful to all the kind and generous-hearted people who are supporting my daughter's treatment. Thank you very much in advance. Your support not only addresses a medical need, but also fills our hearts with hope."

Sarun is a 72-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province. He is married and has four daughters and 15 grandchildren. Presently, Sarun lives with his wife, who is also a farmer, and his first born daughter who has mental problem. Sarun likes to watch boxing on the TV. About two years ago, Sarun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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 is not able to go places on his own. When Sarun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, 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. Sarun is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says: "I hope that after surgery my eye can see better easily, so I can go back to growing rice and go places on my own."