Lydia is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious meals as a way to sustain a longer and healthier life for herself. She also enjoys watching television to relax. Above all, she remains grateful for the support of her children and does her best to manage her needs while being mindful of their own responsibilities. A year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lydia receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Lydia's procedure and care. Lydia said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I hope to recover so I can move more comfortably, care for myself better, and lessen the burden on my children."

Sarey is a 20-year-old rubber farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and five younger siblings. His parents work as day laborers on a rubber farm, and all his younger siblings are still students. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends in the village. On May 16, 2026, Sarey was riding his motorbike when it overturned at a corner, injuring his right shoulder. He was unconscious for approximately three days and received treatment for one week. However, his condition did not improve, and he was discharged and returned home. He continued to experience difficulties moving his right arm and later came to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for further investigation and treatment. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. This has left him unable to raise or move his right arm. He also experiences nerve pain and reduced sensation from below his elbow to his hand, as well as drooping of his right eyelid. These difficulties affect his ability to carry out everyday activities and limit his independence. On October 21st, Sarey will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will hopefully be able to regain some movement in his right arm, use his shoulder and elbow more effectively, and perform daily activities with greater independence. He also hopes to return to playing volleyball with his friends. Sarey can contribute $100, but needs help raising $637 more to fund his procedure and care. Sarey said, “Since my injury, I haven’t been able to use my right arm as before, and the nerve pain makes daily life difficult. I hope this treatment will help me regain movement and become more independent so I can return to my usual activities.”

Chhnok is a 78-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married, and is a father and grandfather. He and his wife live close to one of their daughters, and their children support their daily living expenses. In his free time, Chhnok likes listening to the news, and hearing the monks pray through his radio. About a year ago, Chhnok developed a cataract in his right 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 Chhnok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Chhnok is contributing towards his treatment but needs help to raise an additional $213 for the procedure. He says: "I hope that after surgery, my eye can see better easily as I walk around, and that I will be able to recognize my relatives, and attend ceremonies at the pagoda."