Lin is a 52 year-old noodle cart worker. She lives in Takeo province with her older sister. Together they earn a living working at their street stalls. Lin sells fried noodles, and her sister has a cart with soft drinks and coconuts. When she's not working, Lin likes checking her social media and spending time with her friends in the village. Around two years ago, Lin developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Lin learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) she traveled for two hours to seek treatment. On July 17th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Lin is able to contribute for her care and is raising the funds needed to fully fund her procedure with help from the Watsi community. She said, "I want to improve my vision so it is easier for me to work at my noodle stall and see my customers."

Marife is a loving wife and mother from the Philippines. She previously worked as a janitor at Makati Medical Center but had to quit to give more time to her daughter, who has difficulty breathing with asthma. Marife occasionally does freelance work, but their family mostly depends on the income her husband makes as a janitor. Marife and her family reside in a Housing Relocation Site provided by the National Housing Authority. One year ago, Marife began to experience troubling symptoms, including vomiting and extreme abdominal pain. She described it as even worse pain than when she gave birth. For a year, she tried various medications and home remedies to help ease the pain, but to no avail. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Marife was diagnosed with cholelithiasis, or gallstones. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Marife is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) on October 21st. 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 Marife's surgery and care. Marife says, "This surgery will be a great help for me and my family as it will regain my confidence. I have been through depression since I first felt my symptoms. This illness sacrificed my supervision and parenting time with my daughter. I had come to the point of being hopeless but thanks to this hospital and the donors I will fight and continue my life. I hope they can help more people like me who need an operation. Thank you very much."

Rosette, who is a small-scale farmer, is 45 years old, and the mother of four young children. Rosette's husband is also a farmer, and together, they work hard to make ends meet for their family. For two years now, Rosette has been experiencing severe, lower abdominal pain, which has made it difficult for her to perform her daily tasks efficiently. Due to the family's financial constraints, however, she has been unable to seek medical attention. Now, due to the worsening of her condition, and the appearance of additional symptoms, Rosette has become concerned that she might have cancer. After finally being evaluated, she was diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion, which requires surgical intervention. On July 13th, Rosette will undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Rosette's surgery. Once she has recovered, Rosette will be able to resume her daily activities, free of pain. Rosette says: “I have been in much pain with worsening condition, and it has lowered my social life. I appeal for your support so that I can live well as I resume with farming.”