Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."

Kah is a 41-year-old man from Burma. He works as a community development worker and his wife is a farmer who grows paddy and crops for their own consumption. Sometimes, Kah works as a day laborer when he has free time. Kah has been experiencing severe stomach pain that would not go away with medication. Doctors want Kah to undergo a CT scan which will help doctors diagnose his condition and come up with an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $469 to cover the cost of Kah's CT scan and care, scheduled for February 29th. Kah’s wife said, "We found it very difficult when we heard that we have to go to Thailand for treatment because we don't have enough money and we know it will cost a lot. I am stressed and can't sleep but when I was told that there's an organization and donors who can help my husband's treatment, I feel relieved. Thank you so much for your support."

Thorn is a 60-year-old retired fish seller who lives in Cambodia. She has one son, four daughters, and three grandchildren. Sadly, her husband passed away several years ago. Since that time, her oldest daughter has been working in a nearby garment factory to help support the family. Before retiring to provide full-time care for her son, Thorn spent several decades working in the local market selling river fish and clams. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and listening to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Thorn developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own. When Thorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 2nd, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Thorn shared: "I hope I can have surgery so I can see around my house to do chores, and my family won’t worry about me anymore."