Roland is a 36-year-old father from the Philippines. He has been living with a fistula for about 15 years. Initially, his symptoms were sporadic and self-resolving. However, flare-ups have become frequent, occurring every two months for the past two years. These episodes cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty sitting, forcing Roland to adjust his daily routine. After Roland traveled to our medical partner's care center, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, surgery was recommended to relieve his symptoms. While this has brought Roland hope, the estimated cost remains beyond his financial capacity, leaving him reliant on antibiotics for temporary relief. Despite his condition, Roland continues to support his family by helping run their small clothing business and taking on electrical work on the side. His condition limits his ability to fully participate in work, leisure activities, and caring for his children. His family strongly believes surgery would restore his quality of life, reduce recurring medical expenses, and ease the financial strain. Fortunately, Roland is scheduled to receive surgery on March 20th at the World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Our medical partner, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, is requesting $1,198 to fund this treatment. Access to surgical treatment would allow Roland to regain comfort, resume normal activities, and provide more stability for his household. Roland shared, "I’m looking forward to playing basketball again without pain and being able to sit comfortably while spending time with my children."

Mongkul is a one-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in a rural area of Prey Veng province with his parents. Mongkul's mother sells groceries, and his father is a deliveryman. He is the youngest of three siblings, with his older brother in grade 7 and older sister in grade 2. Mongkul's mom said he enjoys playing with toy cars and likes eating rice with fried fish and pork. Mongkul was born with polydactyly of his right big toe. This means that he was born with an extra toe on his right foot. The extra toe makes it difficult for him to learn to walk normally and to wear shoes comfortably. Fortunately, on January 21st, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will be able to walk and wear shoes more comfortably. His mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will have a normal leg like the other kids and be able to wear shoes comfortably.”

Tristan is a 25-year-old hardworking provider from the Philippines. He helps support his family alongside his father and has been hoping to transfer to a higher-paying job to better provide for their household. However, four months ago, Tristan was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, which causes him discomfort and prevents him from lifting heavy objects. This has limited his options for finding new work. Fortunately, on June 5th, Tristan will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Tristan'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. Tristan said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery because it will help me recover without adding financial stress to my family. I look forward to getting better so I can continue working and supporting my loved ones."