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.

Nusrat is a nine-year-old girl from West Bengal, India. She has an elder brother and goes to school in her village. She lives in a home that her family shares with extended family, and she is equally loved and adored by everyone. When she was just an infant, Nusrat sustained severe burns when a vessel full of hot oil was accidentally spilt as her uncle walked by carrying the pot. She was treated locally for a few weeks, but developed extensive scarring on the left side of her face, lower lip, neck, and chest. She had two previous surgeries in 2019 to treat the burned skin on her neck. Nusrat needs surgery for her residual neck contracture and lower lip scarring. She has high hopes of restoring her neck mobility and improving her appearance with surgical repairs. Nusrat has travelled a considerable distance for treatment with our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center. The G.S. Memorial Trust will cover a portion of the cost of her procedure, and the family is seeking assistance to raise the remaining $866 to fund her next procedure. Her surgery is scheduled for April 8th. Nusrat's mother says, "The surgical team and the hospital have been supportive during her treatments before, and we have full faith in their abilities to treat her and help her regain confidence as they have done from day one."

Chantha is a 43-year-old former construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with his wife, who works in a garment factory. They have three children: the eldest works as a car repairer, the second is a construction worker, and the youngest is in Grade 6. He is currently unemployed and spends his time raising chickens and growing vegetables at home. In May 2022, Chantha sustained a fracture on his right thighbone when he was trapped under a collapsed house. He initially underwent fracture repair surgery with plate and screws, followed by antegrade intramedullary nailing due to persistent symptoms. Presently, he experiences ongoing discomfort related to the surgical hardware. The condition causes persistent pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing. He currently uses crutches for mobility, and has difficulty performing normal daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 19th, Chantha will undergo a fracture repair procedure (hardware removal with K-nail and bone grafting) which is expected to reduce his pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more comfortably without metal-related discomfort. Chantha is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $550 more to fund the procedure. He says, “I hope this surgery will relieve my pain, allow me to walk normally again, and help me live without discomfort from the metal in my leg.”