Gezu is a 20-year-old man from Ethiopia and a determined ninth-grade student. He works hard to balance his education with the work needed to support his family, including his four brothers and three sisters. Six months ago, he suffered a severe electrical burn to his left palm while trying to fix an electrical issue. Although he received immediate care at a nearby clinic, the treatment was not sufficient to ensure a full recovery. Due to severe scarring, his palm is locked into a claw-like shape, making it impossible to hold the tools needed for farming. This injury has left him frustrated and physically weak compared to his siblings. Between the demands of work and the trauma of the accident, he has fallen behind in his studies and lost his self-esteem. When Gezu learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, he traveled for four hours to seek treatment. On February 18th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery, this will allow him to use his hand for planting and return to his education. He is determined to succeed in his classes and work alongside the other staff members in the fields once again. Now, he needs help to fund this $500 procedure. Gezu said, "I believe this surgery will give me back the life I was building. More than anything, I want to work the land alongside my family again. I don't want to just watch anymore—I want to use my own hands to do the work that used to come so naturally to me."

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.

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."