Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Dave is 31 years old and a farmer from the Philippines. He is the sole caregiver for his father, who has hypertension and gout. He works as a farmer, raising chickens and planting root crops. He admits that his work does not earn much, and his limited income makes it hard for him and his father to meet their daily needs. At times, his siblings help by giving money to pay for electricity, water, and his father’s medicines. Dave first noticed swelling and pain when he was in high school. By the time he reached college, the pain was unbearable. It comes and goes, and each time it happens, he finds it difficult to walk and carry out his daily activities. Dave was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and needs surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, Dave will undergo hernia repair surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,121 to fund his procedure and care. Dave shared, "I have always worried that my hernia would get worse. With surgery, I hope I will no longer feel afraid every day. I want to work properly again and be free from the heavy feeling of constantly wondering when my hernia will act up."

Dalen is 32 years old and a farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Preah Vihear province with his wife and their four-year-old son. His wife works at a garment factory and is currently the main provider for the family because he cannot work due to his injury. At home, his parents help support him and assist with tasks that he is unable to do on his own. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and playing volleyball, but he can no longer do these activities because of his condition. On March 5th, 2025, Dalen was involved in a motorbike accident with a hand tractor, which caused a closed fracture of his right leg. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plate fixation two days after the accident. Two weeks after the surgery, the surgical wound became infected, and he required a skin flap procedure to help treat and cover the infected area. About six to seven months ago, he started to experience persistent pain and abnormal movement in his leg. It is difficult for him to walk, and he now relies on crutches to keep his balance. Because of this, he cannot work and struggles with daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 6th, Dalen will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help stabilize his leg, relieve his pain, and allow him to walk more comfortably so that he can return to work and support his family again. His family can contribute $37.50, but needs help raising $563 to fund his procedure and care. Dalen said, “After the surgery, I hope this treatment will heal my leg, relieve the pain, and allow me to walk normally again so I can work and take care of my wife and son.”