Nipo is 50 years old and a hairstylist from the Philippines. Through his work, he is able to support his younger sisters. A year ago, Nipo began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain. He has been diagnosed with gallstones and needs 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), Nipo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 21st. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nipo's surgery and care. Nipo shared, "I know the surgery would take away my pain and that my sisters would no longer have to be anxious about my condition. Because of our financial struggles, this treatment would not have been possible. I want to live normally like before."

Kakada is a 21-year-old university student from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the eldest of four siblings. He lives with his mother, who works as a cleaner to support the family. One of his younger brothers passed away a few years ago due to illness, and his remaining siblings are still students. Despite financial struggles, he continues his studies in Information Technology and hopes to build a better future for his family. In his free time, he enjoys reading and listening to podcasts. Seven months ago, Kakada injured his right thumb while playing volleyball at school. The injury resulted in a dislocation that caused ongoing pain and difficulty using his hand for daily activities, including studying and writing. After the initial injury, he received conservative treatment with closed reduction at a local hospital and was discharged home. Unfortunately, the thumb dislocated again after he lifted a heavy object, worsening his condition and further limiting his hand function. Kakada was advised to seek care at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), by a relative. He traveled about one and a half hours to reach the hospital, to seek specialized care. On January 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a reduction procedure to stabilize his thumb, relieve his pain, restore function, and allow him to return to his studies and daily life more comfortably. Kakada's family is able to contribute towards his treatment, but needs an additional $415 to fund the procedure. Kakada's mother says: “After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to use his hand comfortably again.”

Seang Hai is an 11-year-old monk from Cambodia. His father works as a construction worker, and his mother is a garment factory worker. He has an older brother, who is 17 years old, and a younger sister, who is 6 years old. Seang Hai is currently studying in Grade 4, where his favorite subject is mathematics. In his free time, he enjoys learning dharma. His favorite meal is fried pork, and he dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. When Seang Hai was around one year old, he was accidentally burned by hot water, which affected the 3rd and 4th fingers of his left hand and the 3rd finger of his right hand. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his fingers. As a result, he has difficulty grasping objects and experiences mild pain during hand movements, limiting his daily activities. When Seang Hai's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On April 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the contractures, improve movement and strength in his hands, reduce pain, and allow him to hold and use objects more easily in his daily life. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Seang Hai's mother shared, “I hope after the surgery, he will be able to use his hands freely again, without pain, and live a happier life.”