Emmanuel is a 45-year-old hardworking father from Philippines. He previously worked as driver to support his family, but is currently unemployed, which is challenging while raising two school-going children. His wife is also unemployed, and with no steady income, the family often skip meals and mainly depend on partial repayments of debts from relatives, and occasionally borrow money from the children's uncle. Six years ago, Emmanuel began to experience troubling symptoms, including intense chest pains that radiate to his back, which prevented him from sitting or lying down. He made repeated attempts to seek treatment in public hospitals, but these were unsuccessful due to overcrowding. Emmanuel is growing increasingly worried about not being able to provide for his family, yet he remains hopeful that the surgery could alleviate his painful symptoms and reduce the financial strain on his family. Emmanuel has been diagnosed with cholelithiasis, which are hardened pieces of bile that form in the gallbladder. Doctors have advised him to undergo a cholecystectomy, which the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at a risk of future health complications. Emmanuel is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on April 11th, through our partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Emmanuel's surgery and care. Emmanuel says: "Despite our current struggles, I remain optimistic about our future. Once I receive treatment for my condition, I'll return to work so I can provide for my family again. My wife and children keep me strong."

Harriet is a 57-year-old mother of two, who lives in Uganda. Years ago, she lost her husband and when life became extremely difficult, her aunt supported her in starting a roadside grocery business where she sells tomatoes, carrots, mangoes, and cabbage. Through this effort, she has been able to sustain her household and support her children’s education. Her eldest child has just completed Senior 6, while the youngest is in Senior 3. She works tirelessly to provide her children with an education so they can have a bright future. Three years ago, Harriet began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling in her neck, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, daily headaches and neck pain, especially when turning her head. She visited a nearby health center where she was given oral medication, and advised to seek care from a larger health facility. However, due to limited finances, she resorted to traditional treatments, including native herbs, which she used for almost a year without any improvement. Recently, Harriet learnt that one of her customers had received surgical care for the same condition she had, at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale. The news gave her hope. When her children were home for holidays, she finally had the opportunity to visit the hospital for a review. Harriet was diagnosed with an obstructive goiter, an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Harriet receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 3rd at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money to fully fund the surgery and her care. Harriet says, “The pain I am going through is too much, my income capacity can’t enable me raise the money needed to cover my hospital bill. I kindly seek your support.”

Kun is a 62-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who is also a rice farmer. They have five children, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. Their children visit often and provide support. In his free time, he enjoys listening to monks chanting and praying. Kun suffered a fracture dislocation of his right hip on May 5th, 2026, after falling off a motorcycle while going downhill. The injury has caused severe pain that worsens with movement. He is unable to walk and is currently confined to a wheelchair, making it difficult for him to care for himself and carry out daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 11th, Kun will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help restore proper alignment of his hip, relieve pain, and improve his mobility. This treatment will allow him to walk again, regain independence, and return to spending time with his family and daily life activities. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 for his procedure and care. Kun said, “After the surgery, I hope that I will regain my strength and mobility so I can care for myself and spend time with my family again.”