Nipo is 50 years old and a hairstylist from the Philippines. Through his work, he is able to support his younger sisters. A year ago, Nipo began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain. He has been diagnosed with gallstones and needs 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), Nipo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 21st. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nipo's surgery and care. Nipo shared, "I know the surgery would take away my pain and that my sisters would no longer have to be anxious about my condition. Because of our financial struggles, this treatment would not have been possible. I want to live normally like before."

Chesda is a three-year-old boy from Cambodia. He is the only child in his family. His father is a community blacksmith, and his mother runs a small grocery booth. Chesda does not attend school yet. He enjoys playing with toy cars, and his favorite meal is rice with fried fish and pork. Chesda was born with a torticollis following a difficult delivery experienced by his mother. His medical condition involves a twist in the neck caused by a tight neck muscle called the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In many instances, physical therapy can resolve it, but in some cases, it may require surgical intervention to lengthen the muscle. Chesda has trouble turning his head and neck and often feels pain in his shoulder. He has also developed postural problems. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Chesda receive treatment. On January 20th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help him turn his neck and have a full range of motion. Now, he needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Chesda's father said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to move his neck better like the other kids, so I don’t have to worry about the problem that will happen in the future.”

Yousos is a 58-year-old laborer at a cashew farm from Cambodia. He lives in an isolated village in Stueng Treng, Cambodia, with his wife and their two children. His wife also works at the cashew farm, and both of his children help with cashew farming to support the family. The household depends entirely on its small daily labor income for daily expenses and basic needs. In his free time, he helps with farm work and household chores. In 1988, while serving as a soldier at the border, Yousos sustained a gunshot wound to his right femur, resulting in a fracture. An external fixation was applied to facilitate healing; however, the fixation later became loose and was removed. He then sought treatment through Khmer traditional medicine. While his condition appeared to improve as he was able to walk and return to work normally, he continued to have discharge from the wound. Ten days ago, while working on his farm, he twisted the same leg and fractured the same area again. He now experiences pain, discharge, and difficulty walking. The non-union fracture and infected wound make it very challenging for him to perform daily activities and continue his farm work. When Yousos learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for nine and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound and allow the wound to heal. Yousos can contribute $50, but needs help raising the remaining $367 to fund his procedure and care. Yousos said, “I have lived with this injury for many years, but now the pain and infection make it very difficult to walk. I hope this treatment will finally heal my leg so I can return to my farm and live without suffering.”