Junel is a loving father from the Philippines who lives with his mother, his partner, and their one-year-old daughter. To support their family, Junel works as a nursing aide and his partner is a dietician. Since 2017, Junel has experienced troubling symptoms including abdominal pain and feeling bloated. Most recently in February, Junel experienced severe abdominal pain that required medical attention. His ultrasound revealed that he was suffering from gallstones, and he will need to undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder to prevent worsening symptoms and/or future health complications. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Junel is scheduled to undergo his gallbladder surgery on March 8th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is looking to help raise $1,128 to cover the remaining cost of Junel's surgery and care. Junel shared: "My medical condition is a burden to me and my family. I have to miss going to work whenever the pain attacks, and that will cost my whole day's salary. Fortunately, WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines are willing to help me. I couldn't thank you enough for your generosity. I'm eternally grateful for all your help!"

Kheng is a 55-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Speu province. She is married and has three sons, four daughters, and seven grandchildren. Kheng lives with her husband, who is a palm sugar farmer. She likes to spend time with her grandchildren and pray in her local pagoda. Three years ago, Kheng developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her redness, irritation, and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Kheng visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she learned that she needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 13th. Kheng said, "I hope after surgery I will be more comfortable and can go outside more easily."

Hana is a cute and happy baby who loves playing with toys and interacting with the people around her. Her favorite foods are porridge with bread and pasta. She is the only child of her parents. Her mother used to sell candles at church gates, and her father is in the military, though he currently has no contact with the family. Last year, Hana started refusing her mother’s milk, and her abdomen began to swell. Her mother was extremely concerned about her baby's condition and immediately took Hana to the clinic. Hana was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease, a condition in which missing nerve cells in the large intestine cause intestinal blockage. Further referrals led her to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, who will help Hana and her mother with a treatment plan. Now, African Mission Healthcare is asking for $1,500 to help fund Hana's Hirschsprung's pull-through surgery scheduled for March 16th. Hana's mother said, “After her surgery, I want her to be well and to grow healthy. I will send her to school. I will try my best to give her a better life, and I don’t want her to suffer as I did. I hope she will be wise and independent in her future.”