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."

Bunnan is a 53-year-old vegetable seller from Phnom Penh. He is married and has three sons and one grandchildren. He lives with his wife who is also a vegetable seller, his first son, who unfortunately has mental challenges, and his youngest son who is a student. In his free time, Bunnan likes to go for walks. About two years ago, Bunnan developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Bunnan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On October 19th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Bunnan is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising an additional $238 for the procedure. He says: "I hope that after surgery my eye can see better, so I can easily go back to selling vegetables, and won't have to worry about my eye anymore."

Fanta is a 30-year-old woman from Mali. She is a homemaker who enjoys listening to the radio in her free time. Fanta is currently expecting her first child. Doctors have recommended that she deliver via caesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Muso, is helping Fanta undergo a C-Section on September 15th. This procedure will cost $259, and Fanta needs your support. Fanta says, "I look forward to delivering a healthy baby through the procedure."