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!"

Thuon is a 63-year-old mother of seven sons and one daughter, and the grandmother of seven grandchildren. She lives in Kandal province with her husband, who is a security guard, and her son, who is a construction laborer. Thuon is a traditional khmer cake seller. About three months ago, Thuon developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, a cloudy lens, and light sensitivity. When Thuon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and half hours seeking treatment. On December 12th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, to break up and remove the cataract, and then implant a new lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Thuon says, "After surgery, I hope I can see clearly. I would like to make more of my cakes for selling to earn more money. And, I'd like to easily go anywhere outside."

Mark is a 2-year-old boy, His mother works as a teacher, while the father owns a small business of selling thrift shoes around town. However, ever since the lock down period during the COVID-19 pandemic, their business has been slow, thus, reducing their household income. The past year has been the most difficult for them, and they are unable to raise funds to seek medical treatment for their son. Last year, while playing with his friends, Mark accidentally pulled on a flask of hot water resulting in the water spilling and burning most parts of his arms and stomach. Following the accident, his mother applied honey and a raw egg on the wound as first aid and then rushed him to the hospital. Mark was given ointments to help the wound heal, but his mother was led to believe that applying mashed cassava mixed with honey would help Mark’s wound heal faster and better compared to the medicine he was given at the hospital. Two months after the incident, Mark no longer had an open wound, but the skin around the fingers of his right hand was badly damaged. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around the burn. Now it is difficult for him to use his right hand. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Mark receive treatment. On March 3rd, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to increase the functionality of his fingers. Now, he needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Mark’s mother says, “Sometimes I wonder if not following the doctor’s advice is the reason my son’s hand is the way it is, and I’m the one responsible for that.”