Renato is a 77-year-old man from the Philippines. He was previously married but has been separated from his wife since 1987. Renato is currently unemployed due to physical limitations as a senior citizen. He often uses his mobile phone for leisure and plays billiards in his free time. He relies on his social security pension of about $350 a month for his living expenses. Four years ago, Renato started to experience pain in the abdominal part of his body, especially when he lifted heavy objects. Due to the consistent pain, he decided to visit a private clinic to consult about his condition. It was found that he had an indirect inguinal hernia and was advised to undergo surgery. Fortunately, on August 17th, Renato will undergo hernia repair surgery. A portion of the cost of Renato's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is seeking help to raise $1,103 more to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Renato says, "Thank you very much for this opportunity to get treated. I may have no family but I feel that the Lord continues to send me people and organizations like you to help me so I am very grateful."

Ren is a 75-year-old grandmother with two sons, four daughters, and 15 grandchildren. She lives with her husband and their youngest daughter who is a rice farmer. Previously, Ren was also a rice farmer, planting rice to feed her family, but now she struggles with blurry vision in her left eye, a condition that has worsened over the past year. Her days are often spent listening to the monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Ren developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own. When Ren learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 9th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens will be implanted in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Ren can contribute $75 but needs help to raise $178 more to fund her surgery. Ren says, "I hope that after my operation, I can recognize my family, and do household chores again."

Bukhari is a seven-month-old baby boy from Kenya, the youngest of three children. His father works as a casual laborer, mainly at construction sites, while his mother is a homemaker. Bukhari was born at home with a noticeable swelling on the lower part of his back. His parents initially hoped it would lessen over time, but as the weeks went by without any change, their concern grew. After a month, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was examined and then referred to a treatment facility in Nairobi. Determined to help their son, Bukhari’s parents returned home and began raising funds to cover their journey to the recommended facility. During this time, a family friend advised them to seek help at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). After tireless efforts, the family was able to gather enough funds to bring Bukhari to BKKH for a thorough examination. Bukhari was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine doesn't properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, he faces serious risks, including potential paralysis of his lower limbs, infection, and developmental challenges. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Bukhari receive treatment. On August 5th, surgeons at BKKH will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate complications associated with the condition, allowing healthy growth and development. Now, Bukhari’s family needs help to fund this $856 procedure. Bukhari’s father says, "From the moment he was born, we have been worried about his health. We are hopeful that he receives the treatment he needs and recovers quickly."