Ryan is a hardworking father from the Philippines. He is the family's only regular income earner, supporting his children who are currently studying while covering most of their daily needs and household expenses. His wife stays at home to care for their children and occasionally takes on small jobs when opportunities arise to supplement the family's income. Ryan enjoys playing basketball, a sport he has loved for many years, and still plays with his co-workers whenever they have free time as a way to stay active and unwind. Two years ago, Ryan began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain. Ryan was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Ryan is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 19th. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Ryan's surgery and care. "Thank you very much for helping me and other people who need surgery. The assistance you provide is a great help because we cannot afford the high cost of the operation. We are truly grateful that you are helping many people who are in need," says Ryan.

Rama is a 27-year-old day laborer from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Ratanakiri Province with his wife, who is also a day laborer. They have two children; a son in Grade 1 and a three-year-old child. In his free time, Rama enjoys caring for his children and growing vegetables around his home. Two years ago, Rama was involved in a motorcycle accident in Ratanakiri, which caused a fracture of his thighbone. Following the accident, he underwent surgery at a local hospital, where doctors fixed the fracture using a metal plate and screws. A year later, he developed a fistula and had one screw removed at Children's Surgical Centre. However, the remaining hardware has brought on persistent discharging sinus, along with pain and difficulty in walking. The symptoms have also made it difficult for him to continue working as a day laborer, impacting his ability to provide for his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 1st, Rama will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help the wound heal properly, relieve pain, and improve his ability to walk. This will allow him to return to work and care for his family more comfortably. Rama and his family are able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $303 more to fund the procedure. He said, “I am grateful to have this opportunity for treatment. I hope I can recover well, return to work, and spend time with my children without pain.”

U Sanda is a 32-year-old monk from Burma. He has been a monk for over 15 years, and lives with other monks at a monastery. He does not earn an income, and relies on food donated at the monastery by local people. When he becomes ill, his best friend helps cover the cost of his basic medical treatment. U Sanda was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. U Sanda is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 21st at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital to correct his atrial septal defect, and improve his quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of U Sanda's procedure and care. U Sanda said, “All of the costs of my previous investigations were covered by my best friend. If BCMF and the donors do not help me, I would choose to suffer rather than continue receiving treatment, because I know the cost is very expensive.”