Emelita is a loving grandmother from the Philippines. Emelita has five children and is currently living with one of them. When she was younger, she worked hard as a laundrywoman to make ends meet for her family. Now that she is physically weaker due to her age, she takes care of her grandchildren and helps her daughter with the household chores. Three years ago, Emelita began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe stomach pain, upper back pain, fatigue, and rapid exhaustion. Whenever she feels her symptoms, she cannot perform her day-to-day tasks. She also knows that her daughter and grandchildren worry about her condition and are affected whenever she is in pain. After seeking treatment, Emelita has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Emelita is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on October 14th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Emelita's surgery and care. Emelita says, "I am very grateful for this surgery opportunity because it will help me and my family. I feel like I have been a burden to them, especially when my symptoms act up. This surgery will enable me to regain my ability to do my day-to-day tasks and household activities to help my family."

Chiva is a 23-year-old server at a karaoke restaurant. He lives with his parents and younger sister in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. His parents work long days, six days per week in construction, and his sister is still in high school. Chiva helps support his family by working in a nearby karaoke restaurant. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and volleyball. In September 2022, Chiva was in a motorbike accident that caused a fracture in his right leg. It is difficult for him to walk, and he has a chronic infection in his wound. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On July 26th, Chiva will undergo a fracture repair procedure to help him walk easily again. CSC is requesting $483 to fund this surgery. Chiva said, "I hope I can walk like before the accident and go back to work full-time."

Lillian is a 39-year-old woman who has been undergoing antenatal care from Rushoroza Hospital. She has a 7th-grade education and is married with four children. Her family rents a three-room brick house for shelter. Her husband is a small-scale farmer as well, and they are a low-income family. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Lillian undergo a C-Section to deliver her fifth child and is seeking $214 for this procedure. Lilian says, “I pray for a successful recovery. I will continue practicing farming so that I may support my husband in developing our family.’’