Norlan is a 35-year-old father from the Philippines. Norlan did not finish his education, but as a father he is committed to making sure his two children finish school so they will not have to experience the hardships he experienced. He also dreams of going abroad to make sure his children will live a better life. Norlan currently works as a tricycle driver and earns $14 a day, which is mostly dedicated to the family's daily needs. Two years ago, Norlan began to experience troubling symptoms, including irritation, pain, and bowel obstruction. His condition affected his work and therefore the family's income. Norlan needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Norlan receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on February 3rd at WSFP's care center. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,285 to cover the cost of Norlan's procedure and care. "I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity because my income is not enough for the surgery and hospitalization," says Norlan. "We have nothing else to rely on so I am grateful to this organization and grateful to the people behind this."

Mom is a 65-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. Widowed five years ago, she lives with her youngest daughter, who works at a nearby garment factory. She has six other children who have all moved out to nearby villages or the capital city in search of better job opportunities. Mom has twelve grandchildren who visit often. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and listening to the local Buddhist radio station. About two months ago, Mom developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Mom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 3rd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Mom shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I easily get around and I would help my daughter by taking the kids to school."

Sok Neng, who is 18 years old, lives with his parents near the Vietnamese border. His parents have been spice sellers in the local market for several years. Sok Neng enjoys growing fruits and vegetables around his home, while also working at the market stall with his parents. In August 2023, Sok Neng was in a motorbike accident on a dark road, and broke his right femur. He traveled for three and a half hours to a major hospital in the capital city of Phnom Penh for treatment, but due to a lack of funds, he left after the doctors said that he needed surgery. Since then, Sok Neng has been receiving treatment from a traditional healer in the village. Unfortunately, the fracture has not healed, and he lives in chronic pain, unable to walk or to work. Sok Neng once again traveled three and a half hours to Phnom Penh to seek help, after a referral from another doctor. On February 7th, he will undergo an osteotomy and a bone plate procedure on his right femur, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is seeking $469 to fund this surgery, which will align the bone in Sok Neng's leg, enabling him to finally walk again. Sok Neng shared: "I hope I can walk on my own and go back to work to help my family."