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."

Sim is a 76-year-old widow from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. She previously worked as a rice farmer and is now retired. She has four sons, four daughters, and twenty-two grandchildren. She lives alone in a house near her youngest daughter, who works in a garment factory. Her children provide support when needed. In her free time, Sim enjoys listening to the radio and listening to monks' prayers. Three years ago, Sim developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Sim learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Sim shared, "I hope that after cataract surgery, my vision will improve so that I can recognize her relatives easily, go outside and travel to more distant places independently, and no longer worry about my eyesight."

Neng is a 48-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Kampong Speu Province with her husband, who works as a construction worker. They have four children, all of whom work in factories. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home and caring for her grandchildren. On July 27th, 2026, Neng stood up from a chair, twisted her right leg, and fell to the ground, injuring her right knee. An X-ray confirmed a fracture of her right patella, or kneecap. Her fractured kneecap causes significant pain and swelling in her right knee. She has been unable to walk since the accident and currently relies on a wheelchair. Moving her knee is also painful and difficult, making it challenging for her to carry out her normal daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 17th, Neng will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will repair and stabilize her fractured kneecap, supporting proper healing and helping her regain knee movement. With recovery, it is hoped that she will be able to walk more comfortably and return to her normal daily activities. Neng and her family can contribute $100, but need help raising $500 more to fund her procedure and care. Neng said, “I hope this surgery will repair and stabilize my fractured kneecap, reduce my pain, and help me regain movement so I can walk again and return to my normal daily activities.”