Bernardo is 65-year-old grandfather from the Philippines. He and his wife rely on the modest income from their small sari-sari store to support their household. He enjoys watching videos on his cellphone and cherishes spending time with his grandson, who brings him so much joy. Before his health issues worsened, Bernardo was working hard on becoming more physically active so that he can be present for his grandson. About eighteen months ago, Bernardo began to experience the symptoms of an inguinal hernia. These symptoms have escalated over time, causing him excruciating abdominal pain that has rendering him immobile. This pain interferes with his daily activities, his time with his grandson, and his goal to become healthier. Fortunately, on August 6th, Bernardo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Bernardo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He will be able to continue caring for his family and enjoy more time with his grandchild. Bernardo shared, “I am grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I look forward to recovering so I can stay active, care for my grandchild, and spend more quality time with my family.”

Pon is a 61-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. He is married with one son, one daughter and five grandchildren. He lives with his wife who is also a rice farmer. His daughter is a garment worker and his son is a construction worker. He likes to listen to the news and the monks praying on the radio. About two years ago, Pon 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 Pon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 18th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Pon said: "I hope that after surgery my eye can see better, so I can easily go back to growing rice, and venture outside well."

Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.