Bernardo is 65-year-old grandfather from the Philippines. He and his wife rely on the modest income from their small sari-sari store to support their household. He enjoys watching videos on his cellphone and cherishes spending time with his grandson, who brings him so much joy. Before his health issues worsened, Bernardo was working hard on becoming more physically active so that he can be present for his grandson. About eighteen months ago, Bernardo began to experience the symptoms of an inguinal hernia. These symptoms have escalated over time, causing him excruciating abdominal pain that has rendering him immobile. This pain interferes with his daily activities, his time with his grandson, and his goal to become healthier. Fortunately, on August 6th, Bernardo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Bernardo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He will be able to continue caring for his family and enjoy more time with his grandchild. Bernardo shared, “I am grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I look forward to recovering so I can stay active, care for my grandchild, and spend more quality time with my family.”

Manuel is seven years old and the youngest of two children from Malawi. His mother is a single mother who works as a house helper. Shortly after he was born, Manuel was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. Symptoms like abdominal pain and frequent swelling episodes significantly impacted his daily activities. Fortunately, on September 10th, Manuel will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Manuel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Manuel's mother shared, "I hear you have been helping many more needy patients; kindly help my son get better."

Kosal is a 41-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with her husband and three school-aged children. Her husband works as a construction worker, while she runs a small grocery business to support the family. She enjoys cooking for her family and taking care of her children’s education in her free time. Kosal had an ear infection when she 15 years old. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Kosal experiences chronic left ear discharge (otorrhea), recurrent ear infections, intermittent ear pain, and hearing loss. The long-term ear condition causes ongoing discomfort and repeated discharge, affecting her daily comfort and confidence. It has also been a persistent health problem for many years, interfering with her quality of life and causing worry due to continuous symptoms despite previous treatments. Kosal traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 21st, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Kosal and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $377 more to fund the procedure. She says: “I have lived with ear pain and discharge for many years and never knew surgery could help me. I am very hopeful that this treatment will finally stop the pain, heal my ear, and allow me to live more comfortably without worry.”