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."

Vitou is a five-month-old baby boy from Cambodia. He is the only child in the family and lives in Svay Rieng Province with his parents. His father works as a factory worker, and his mother sells coffee. He enjoys playing with toy cars and dolls and likes drinking milk. Vitou was born with syndactyly of the right foot. This means that his toes are fused. It is difficult for him to wear shoes properly, which affects the movement of his big toe. As he grows, the condition may affect his ability to stand, walk, and use his foot normally. Fortunately, on July 20th, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused toes. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will feel more comfortable and will be able to use his right foot more normally. The surgery will improve the shape and function of his foot, helping him wear shoes, stand, and walk more easily as he grows. Vitou's mother said, “We hope this surgery will help our son have a normal-looking foot so he can walk, play, and grow up confidently without feeling different from other children.”

Roberto is a resilient 56-year-old man from the Philippines. He is currently unemployed and relies on his brother for food and daily support. He had previously worked as a messenger but had to stop after being advised by the doctor to avoid lifting heavy objects. Two months ago, Roberto was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has caused him anxiety and has prevented him from working. Doctors have recommended a hernia repair surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 16th, Roberto will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Roberto says, "Many thanks to the foundation and to all the people who helped me and became instruments of God in supporting me through this difficult time. May God continue to guide, protect, and bless you, and may your kindness be returned to you many times over."