Lourdez is a mother of three from the Philippines. Currently, her family depends on the income of their second child, who works as a call center agent. Lourdez shared that this income is not enough for the family's expenses and hopes that, after her treatment, she will be able to work and help earn money to support her family. Seven months ago, Lourdez began to experience troubling symptoms, including unbearable stomach pain that lasted for hours. She immediately consulted with a doctor. However, she knows her family cannot afford the cost of surgery, so she had to look for other treatment options. Fortunately, a friend brought her to one of our care centers, where the doctors advised Lourdez 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), Lourdez is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on December 13th. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of the procedure. WSFP is requesting $1,128 to cover the remaining cost of her surgery and care. Lourdez said, "This treatment will be a great help, not just for me but for my family. We have no other means of funding my surgery. As a basic earner, my daughter's income is often not enough for our family's needs and expenses. The free surgery would be a blessing and an opportunity for me to help my daughter earn for the family."

Khryzanelle is a loving mother from Philippines. Khryzanelle, her husband and their baby live with her mother and father. Her husband works as a service staff at a local restaurant and her father works as a security guard. She spends her days mostly taking care of her two year old baby. Three years ago, Khryzanelle began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain. At first she thought that it was related to her pregnancy. Three months after giving birth, the pain returned and lasted for a week. She decided to seek medical attention and through ultrasound, she was diagnosed with gallstones. Khryzanelle has been advised to undergo gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy. 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), Khryzanelle was able to schedule her surgery. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Khryzanelle's surgery and care. Khryzanelle shared "This free surgery will not only help me but my husband and my father. There is no way we can afford this surgery so I am very grateful for your help. Thank you and may God bless you and your families."

Dane is a studious fourth-grader. She and her family live in Banteay Meanchey province, where her parents sell spices at the local market. She has a 7-year-old sister in second grade. At school, she likes Khmer history, mathematics and likes reading books. She hopes to continue her education and be a teacher some day. Three years ago, Dane and her younger sister's hands and legs were burned from a gas explosion. Despite receiving burn care at a local pediatric hospital, numerous burn scars persist on her hands and her legs, especially on Dane's right fingers. This condition significantly hampers her overall hand function. She is unable to grasp objects and has one affected finger that is nonfunctional. The visible effects of her hand condition contribute to her feelings of embarrassment. She has difficulty writing and is shy in school. When Dane's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 30th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her use her fingers and hand more efficiently. Now, her family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Dane said: "I hope I can use my fingers after this operation, and can hold things better in school."