Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."

Visal is a five-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, older sister, and grandmother. Visal's father is a construction worker, while his mother is a garment factory worker. His grandmother stays at home to care for him while his parents work. Visal's parents hope that he can go to school soon. His favorite meal is fried chicken and vegetables. At home, Visal enjoys spending his free time playing soccer with his friends in the village. Since birth, Visal has been unable to fully extend his fingers as they are fixed in a bent position. This condition is making it difficult for him to grasp objects or use his hand comfortably. His parents are worried he will have difficulty when he starts school. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. Visal is scheduled for contracture release surgery on April 22nd. Visal's family is able to contribute $100 but still needs $387 to fund this procedure. Visal's mother said, “I hope Visal can use his hand before he starts school."

Paul is a 48-year-old married man and a father of two children from Kenya. He and his wife are from Kiambu County, about 3 kilometers from Nazareth Hospital. Both Paul and his wife work on tea farms. They live in a rented single room, and work hard to provide for and educate their children. Their first-born child began her secondary education on February 12th. Paul and his wife, with the collective effort of neighbors, raised funds for her schooling. Paul and his wife are working to send their second-born child to secondary school as well. Unfortunately, Paul was hit by a drunk motorcyclist when going home on February 11th. He was hit on the right leg and bruised his face. After Paul obtained first aid at a local clinic, his neighbor brought him to a larger hospital via motorbike. An x-ray showed Paul had an open fracture of the tibia/fibula of the right leg and is currently in a lot of pain. On February 15th, Paul will undergo a fracture repair procedure to enable him to use his leg and avoid complications including infection. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1049 to fund this procedure. Paul says, "Our life has not been easy, and even getting money to come to the hospital was not possible; at least our neighbor was kind enough to bring me to Nazareth Hospital. I appeal for support so that I can walk again and at least join my wife in our casual job so that we can continue supporting ourselves and our children."