Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Segundo is a 59-year old man from the Philippines who works as a driver. His wife is unemployed, and they occasionally receive help with household expenses from their child, who runs a small business. Segundo has been living with thyroid concerns for the last year. Still, he pushes through to enjoy singing during special occasions and family gatherings. Segundo remains hopeful about his recovery and shared that undergoing free surgery would ease his family's financial stress and keep them from having to borrow money to pay for his treatment. A year ago, Segundo began to experience troubling symptoms, including periodic palpitations and a throbbing sensation in his eyes. He was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to heal. A recent ultrasound showed that the number and size of his thyroid nodules had increased, prompting concern from his family and a desire to have surgery before his condition worsens. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Segundo receive treatment. On August 29th, he will undergo a thyroidectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. Part of his treatment cost is covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Segundo's procedure and care. Segundo said, "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to receive free surgery. I look forward to getting better and continuing to enjoy singing and spending time with my family without worrying about my health."

Bora is a 20-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who works as an online seller, and their three-month-old son. His father is a furniture seller, and his mother stays at home to manage household tasks. In his free time, he enjoys playing badminton. On the 11th of December 2025, Bora was involved in a road traffic accident after crashing his car, which caused a closed fracture of his upper arm bone, near the elbow. After the accident, he was treated at a provincial hospital, where doctors performed an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery and implanted a metal plate and screws in his right distal humerus to stabilize the fracture and support bone healing. Although his fracture healed after surgery, he later developed an infection around the implanted hardware. He now has a persistent draining wound (sinus) near the surgical site with discharge, as well as stiffness and limited movement of his right elbow. This affects his ability to use his arm comfortably for daily activities and work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 5th, Bora will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will involve removing the metal implants, washing out the infected area, and performing a culture to help control the infection, promote wound healing, and improve the function and movement of his right arm. He can contribute $37.50, but needs help raising $341 more to fund his procedure and care. Bora said, “I hope this surgery will remove the infection, allow my arm to heal properly, and help me regain better movement so I can return to my normal activities.”