Emmanuel is a 45-year-old hardworking father from Philippines. He previously worked as driver to support his family, but is currently unemployed, which is challenging while raising two school-going children. His wife is also unemployed, and with no steady income, the family often skip meals and mainly depend on partial repayments of debts from relatives, and occasionally borrow money from the children's uncle. Six years ago, Emmanuel began to experience troubling symptoms, including intense chest pains that radiate to his back, which prevented him from sitting or lying down. He made repeated attempts to seek treatment in public hospitals, but these were unsuccessful due to overcrowding. Emmanuel is growing increasingly worried about not being able to provide for his family, yet he remains hopeful that the surgery could alleviate his painful symptoms and reduce the financial strain on his family. Emmanuel has been diagnosed with cholelithiasis, which are hardened pieces of bile that form in the gallbladder. Doctors have advised him to undergo a cholecystectomy, which the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at a risk of future health complications. Emmanuel is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on April 11th, through our partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). 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 Emmanuel's surgery and care. Emmanuel says: "Despite our current struggles, I remain optimistic about our future. Once I receive treatment for my condition, I'll return to work so I can provide for my family again. My wife and children keep me strong."

Ponleu is a four-year-old kindergarten student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents and his eight-month-old younger brother. His father works as a security guard, and his mother is a rice farmer. He enjoys writing and reading Khmer, loves watching cartoons and playing with toys, and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. For the past two years, Ponleu has been experiencing a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, nasal congestion, frequent cough, enlarged adenoids and tonsils, and fluid behind both eardrums (glue ear), causing mild to moderate hearing loss. His repeated ear and nose problems make it difficult for him to hear clearly and breathe comfortably. The condition can affect his learning, sleep, and enjoyment of everyday activities at kindergarten. Ponleu was recently diagnosed with enlarged adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund an adenoidectomy and grommet insertion for Ponleu, which is scheduled to take place on July 17th. Surgeons will remove his adenoids, hopefully relieving Ponleu of his symptoms and helping him hear better and live much more comfortably. Ponleu's grandfather said, “I hope this surgery will help my grandson breathe and hear better so he can stay healthy, enjoy kindergarten, and play happily without getting sick so often.”

Ei is a 24-year-old woman from Burma. Ei lives with her husband, young brother, sister-in-law, and 1-year-old niece. Ei owns a shop and sells dry foods, snacks, and juice with her sister-in-law. Her husband and younger brother work as motorcycle taxi drivers. Ei’s family’s combined monthly income is just enough to meet their basic needs. They have limited access to healthcare and purchase medication from a local shop whenever they are sick. In December 2025, Ei experienced intense pain from a mass on her leg. She has difficulty walking and has noticed her condition is worsening. Ei traveled to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, to receive care, and on May 7th, surgeons will remove the mass. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Ei's procedure and provide her relief from the impact of the mass and prevent other health complications. Ei said, “I felt really stressed when the cold weather came, and felt uncomfortable because I couldn’t walk as other people do. I’ve changed my mind and gathered the strength for my surgery, and I want to walk normally without the pain. I am happy to receive the support from BCMF and the donors for my surgery.”