Lucio is a 48-year-old man from the Philippines. He resides with his brother, the sole remaining member of his family, and is employed in his brother's micro-enterprise where they produce and sell rice cakes. For this, he earns $87 a month as his personal allowance. One year ago, Lucio started experiencing pain in a sensitive area. He initially thought it was a urinary tract infection, but when the pain persisted, he was taken to our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Upon review, he was diagnosed with inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue bulges through a weak point in the abdominal muscles. The doctors advised that he undergo hernia repair surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is helping Lucio receive treatment. On May 9th, surgeons at Our Lady of Peace Hospital will perform hernia repair surgery to relieve his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. A portion of the cost of Lucio's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, but Lucio still needs help raising $1,103 to fund the procedure. Lucio says: "My income only covers my personal expenses. I even eat at my brother's table, so I am very grateful for this opportunity. Thank you for helping me."

Peter is a farmer from Rukungiri district in southwestern Uganda. He is a father to four children who are all in school. Peter and his wife grow food crops for their family's consumption and sell the surplus to generate income. For three years, Peter has had a left inguinal hernia, causing swelling and pain. Doctors recommend that he undergo surgery and, fortunately, on April 3rd, Peter will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Peter's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Peter says, “I hope for a complete recovery and will be able to resume farming in good health to sustain my family.

Somean is a 12-year-old 6th grader who lives in rural Kampong Chnang province with her parents and three siblings. Her parents earn a small living as rice farmers. In school, Somean loves Khmer and English class, and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. At home, she likes playing with her siblings and reading books. Since she was 6 years old, Somean has experienced a sore throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and a hard time sleeping. Frequent illness causes her to miss school. Somean was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Somean, which is scheduled to take place on February 8th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Somean of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Her mom shared, "I hope she can feel better after surgery so her life will be easier for going to school, eating, and sleeping."