Elsa is a 77-year old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys spending time with her neighbors, whose companionship provides her with emotional support and a sense of community. She also takes light walks around her neighborhood to stay active and maintain her health despite her condition. However, her condition has increased the financial burden on her family, who now shoulder her medical expenses. Three months ago, Elsa began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain. Elsa was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her 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), Elsa is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on July 18th. 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 Elsa's surgery and care. Elsa shared, "I am truly grateful for the opportunity to receive free treatment. I look forward to recovering so I can enjoy more time with my family and continue living a healthy and active life."

Gete is a 59-year-old laborer from Ethiopia. She lives with her husband and one of their four children. For many years, she worked a tough job as a daily laborer while her husband served as a security guard. Together, they worked side by side to support and provide for their family. One year ago, Gete developed a cataract in both eyes, causing her reduced and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Her blurry vision has made even simple chores around the house and walking by herself dangerous and overwhelming. Fortunately, Gete is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, where surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Gete needs help to raise $300 to fund this procedure. Gete shared, "All I want is to finally be able to walk around my own home and step outside into the world without being afraid."

Ben is a 77-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. He has four sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren. Presently, he lives with his aging wife, and the couple gets support from their children. Ben likes to join ceremonies at the pagoda. About one year ago, Ben developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Ben learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Ben and his family are contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, and I won't have to worry when I wish to join the ceremonies at the pagoda."