Lowena is a dedicated community health worker from the Philippines. She assists with maternal care and child health services in her community. She works three times a week in the field and will soon help with a measles vaccination program for children. Her son, Randy, drives a school bus, and together they provide for the family. Lowena enjoys singing in her free time and considers her fieldwork her exercise, as it keeps her active through frequent walking. Forty-four years ago, Lowena began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain, significant discomfort, and occasional bleeding. She was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. For a long time, Lowena postponed her own treatment to care for her sick grandchild, but after seeing the child recover and learning about hospital support, she decided it was time to prioritize her health. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lowena receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on May 5th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her hemorrhoids. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Lowena's procedure and care. "Having this surgery is a huge blessing, especially for people like me who cannot afford treatment. I hope Watsi continues helping more people, because helping others brings happiness," Shared Lowena.

Sue is a 25-year-old man from Burma. He was a soldier and now lives at a safe house. Before he enlisted, he was a farmer. He has no income, but is given food and shelter. He usually goes to the army camp clinic for primary healthcare services. In his free time, he loves to exercise. On the 17th of October 2023, Sue sustained injuries to both of his legs from a landmine at the frontline. The medic provided initial first aid to stop the bleeding and promptly referred him to a hospital, where the doctors performed a right below-knee amputation and applied an external fixator to his left leg. Months later, he had to undergo both internal and external fixation surgery to help his leg heal. Now, the fracture has healed, and the rod must be removed to help improve his strength and mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. On July 17th, Sue will undergo surgery to remove the rod, and he needs your support to fund this $1,500 procedure. Sue said, "After this treatment, I would find an electronic training that I can learn with my hands for my future career. Thank you for helping me with all my treatment costs."

Muluwerk is a 28-year-old woman from Ethiopia. She and her husband have three young children—two sons and a daughter. Muluwerk has been facing a quiet, painful battle with a bone infection known as osteomyelitis. As a young mother caring for her children and home, she spends her days taking on physically demanding tasks. Muluwerk experiences pain, swelling, and other worrisome symptoms, making each day a showcase of her resilience. Muluwerk visited our medical partner's care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital (SWGH), for help. After review, her doctors have recommended that she undergo a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected, dead bone or tissue. If not treated, her condition can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on April 8th, Muluwerk will undergo repair surgery at SWGH's care center. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate her symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. SWGH is requesting $900 to fund her procedure. Muluwerk said, "I am hoping to end this four-year cycle of suffering once and for all. By getting my mobility back, I can finally put all my energy into building a bright future for my family, free from the shadow of this recurring illness."