Lat is a 64-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. She is married and has three sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren. She lives with her husband and her daughter, who is a student. She likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Lat developed a cataract in her right 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 Lat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 12th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Lat and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $188 more to fund the surgery. She says, "I hope that after surgery, I will be able to see better, so I can recognize relatives, and I can help my daughter with housework."

Clamson is a young student from Haiti. He lives with his parents and younger sister in a city in northern Haiti. He likes going to kindergarten and to church. Clamson has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Clamson will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 22nd, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $5000.00 to pay for surgery. Clamson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. They need help raising $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Clamson's family overseas. Clamson's mother shared, "Our family has been praying for this surgery ever since we found out about our son's heart problem. We are glad the time has finally arrived!"

Jason is a 47-year-old man from the Philippines. He works as a motorcycle taxi driver, while his wife is a marketing assistant. Their combined income was just enough to cover their daily expenses for food and utilities like water and electricity. Jason loves to drive and play basketball in his free time. Four months ago, Jason began to experience troubling symptoms, including a sensation of choking, and noticed a small lump on his neck. He was diagnosed with Multinodular Non-toxic Goiter. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Jason receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 27th. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Jason's procedure and care. Jason shared, "At first, we were shocked, and we did not expect this to happen, but my family is always encouraging me to proceed with the upcoming surgery. I also believe that with the help of Watsi, both the surgery and my recovery will be made easier."