Sokkea is a 42-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives with his wife and two young daughters in Phnom Penh. Sokkea's wife sells drinks from a cooler at his construction site to supplement their income. In his free time, Sokkea and his family go to the nearby Mekong River to play and go fishing. Five years ago, Sokkea developed an ear infection, which caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. Now, Sokkea experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge, making it difficult for him to hear. Additionally, Sokkea is losing income because he must visit many clinics and pharmacies for medications that aren't working. Fortunately, Sokkea could travel to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 3rd, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $926 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sokkea contributed $100 to his care. When asked about his hopes for the future, Sokkea shared that he wants to get better so he can improve his work and family life.

Christian is a 24-year-old from the Philippines. He discontinued his studies to help his family with their finances. Currently, they depend on Christian, as well as his brother and his father, who both work in construction. Since birth, Christian has dealt with indirect inguinal hernia. This type of hernia causes him pain and limits his mobility. This also prevents him from engaging in physical activities or sports. Additionally, Christian also noticed that the hernia is growing in size, which worries his family. Fortunately, on May 31st, Christian will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. A portion of the cost of Christian's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $1103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Christian shared, "These limitations caused by my condition frustrate me as I long to contribute to my family's financial stability. Through this surgery, I will be physically fit and will have the chance to land a well-paying job and finally be able to support my family. So to Watsi and the World Surgical Foundation Philippines, thank you!"

Alven is a hardworking father from Philippines. He is a single father, acting as both parents to his daughter. He has been separated from his wife for 18 years and lives with his siblings. Alven is a maintenance worker and shared that he is known to be a "workaholic". One year ago, Alven began to experience troubling symptoms, including extreme abdominal and back pain. The pain was so extreme, he could not go to work two days a week which has affected his income. In April, he went for a check-up at Ospital ng Paranaque, a general surgery hospital. Alven was diagnosed with gallstones, hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. Alven has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Alven is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on November 11. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1128 to cover the cost of Alven's surgery and care. Alven told us: "This assistance is a big help to me because my income is only enough to support my daughter and is not sufficient to support my surgery. Your help means a lot to me and my family. I hope that you continue to help others because I am truly blessed to be one of your beneficiaries."