Roland is a 36-year-old father from the Philippines. He has been living with a fistula for about 15 years. Initially, his symptoms were sporadic and self-resolving. However, flare-ups have become frequent, occurring every two months for the past two years. These episodes cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty sitting, forcing Roland to adjust his daily routine. After Roland traveled to our medical partner's care center, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, surgery was recommended to relieve his symptoms. While this has brought Roland hope, the estimated cost remains beyond his financial capacity, leaving him reliant on antibiotics for temporary relief. Despite his condition, Roland continues to support his family by helping run their small clothing business and taking on electrical work on the side. His condition limits his ability to fully participate in work, leisure activities, and caring for his children. His family strongly believes surgery would restore his quality of life, reduce recurring medical expenses, and ease the financial strain. Fortunately, Roland is scheduled to receive surgery on March 20th at the World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Our medical partner, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, is requesting $1,198 to fund this treatment. Access to surgical treatment would allow Roland to regain comfort, resume normal activities, and provide more stability for his household. Roland shared, "I’m looking forward to playing basketball again without pain and being able to sit comfortably while spending time with my children."

Kong is a 64-year-old widow and mother of three from Cambodia. She lives with her second child, who sells groceries. Kong is retired and enjoys tending to vegetables around her house in her free time. In June 2014, Kong was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in fractures of her left forearm and elbow. Kong was treated by our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, whose surgeons performed plate fixation and a bone graft. These procedures were successful, and Kong regained good mobility in her arm. However, she still experiences pain when moving her left elbow. Now, surgeons recommend a procedure to remove the metal plate that was implanted during her initial surgery. On September 3rd, Kong will undergo a hardware removal procedure to help reduce the discomfort around her left elbow and make arm movement more comfortable, helping her manage her everyday activities with greater ease. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $353 more to fund his procedure and care. Kong said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain in my elbow and make it easier for me to move my arm. I look forward to feeling more comfortable and being able to carry out my daily activities without the discomfort I have lived with for so long.”

Sophy is a 36-year-old woman from Battambang Province in Cambodia. She is married and has two children: a daughter in 11th grade and a son in 8th grade. Sophy and her husband are rice farmers. Sophy also sells breakfast to support her family, and in her free time, she enjoys going to the market to buy ingredients. In 2018, Sophy was in a motorcycle accident. Although there was no bone fracture at the time, she later developed bruising on her right ankle. The wound has not healed since. Due to the chronic infection on her ankle, Sophy been experiencing pain for years and has difficulty carrying out her work and daily activities. When Sophy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On May 12th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to help remove infected tissue and support proper healing of the chronic wound. Sophy contributed $50 toward her care and needs assistance raising $367 to fund the remaining cost of her procedure. Sophy said, "After the surgery, I hope that my wound will heal completely so I can walk comfortably and take care of my family again."