Simon is a 69-year-old jovial man from Western Kenya, but currently living in the central region of Kenya. Simon and his wife are separated, and he takes care of their only child, a daughter who is now 17 years old and recently completed secondary school. Simon earns a small income through casual work such as cleaning and weeding flower gardens at a neighbor’s home, which helps him support himself and his daughter. He says that his parents died when he was very young, and as a result, he never received a formal education. Three months ago, Simon began experiencing pain and intermittent swelling on the right side of his inguinal region. Due to lack of finances, he was unable to seek medical care until the pain became unbearable, prompting him to visit the outpatient surgical clinic at Nazareth Hospital. He was referred to undergo an ultrasound that revealed an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue bulges through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the groin. Simon needs surgery to treat the condition, but he's unable to raise the required funds. If left untreated, he will continue to experience pain and may develop complications such as strangulation. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Simon receive treatment. On January 20th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Now, Simon needs help to fund this $517 procedure. "I have no one to turn to; my daughter fully depends on me. I hope to get help so that I can undergo this surgery. I am looking forward to being treated and back to my job, so that I can help my girl, maybe even take her to college," said Simon.

Heng is a 74-year-old woman from Kandal province, Cambodia. She previously worked as a grocery seller at a small booth and is now retired. She is divorced and has four daughters, one son, and ten grandchildren. Heng lives with her youngest daughter, who works in a restaurant. Her favorite hobbies are listening to the monks' sermons on her small radio. About two years ago, Heng developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her vision to become severely blurry. Three months later, she became functionally blind, making it difficult for her to recognize people and move around independently. 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 Heng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 10th, 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. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund her procedure and care. Heng said, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can move around more easily, recognize people clearly, and participate in social and family gatherings."

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."