Gerry is a 48-year-old man from the Philippines. He is a dedicated husband and father who works hard as an on-call driver to support his family. For more than 20 years, Gerry has experienced mild abdominal pain. He visited a hospital for medical attention and was supposed to receive surgical treatment. However, due to the hospital's limited capacity and high influx of emergency cases, Gerry's surgery was deferred. As time passed, Gerry's symptoms worsened and he experienced intense pain more frequently. It became increasingly difficult for him to carry out his daily activities, work, and provide for his family. Now, Gerry is once again seeking medical attention. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), can help. Gerry visited WSFP's care center where he had another medical checkup. Doctors advised that Gerry undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Now, Gerry is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on June 24th. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is covering a portion of the cost of the procedure, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1128 to cover the cost of Gerry's surgery and care. Gerry shared, "This free surgery is truly beneficial to us because we are really struggling financially. We have no money to spend for my needed treatment, so I'm so grateful to WATSI and the World Surgical Foundation Philippines!"

Song Heng is an 8-year-old student who lives with his parents and three siblings in Kampot province. His father works in construction and his mother is a homemaker. Song Heng is currently in grade two and enjoys going to school with his older siblings. He likes to eat Khmer soup and is learning to read books about Khmer history in school. At home, he plays basketball with his friends and wants to be a policeman when he grows up. For the past two years, Song Heng has been experiencing sore throats and difficulty swallowing. He has had fevers and a sore throat at least four times a year; medication purchased from the local pharmacy has not helped. Frequent illnesses cause him to miss school. In the past two weeks, he has had a bad sore throat and has not able to eat solid food. Song Heng was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. His family is able to contribute $100, and our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Song Heng, which is scheduled to take place on July 25th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Song Heng of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. His mother said, "I hope my son will get better after he has surgery, so he can eat food and grow strong."

Vanna is a 18-year-old monk from Cambodia. He is an only child and lives in Prey Veng province; he resides at a local temple to learn and practice Buddhism. His mother and his father are farmers and grow rice nearby. He spends his time learning daily rituals, meditation practices, and communal activities. In November 2022, he was in a motorbike collision and fractured his left femur. He went to a private clinic in his province where doctors inserted a metal plate to secure the bone and support healing. Now, the bone is united and he would like the hardware removed. This procedure will remove the nagging ache he still has in his leg. Vanna believes that metal in the body can interfere with the flow of energy and cause health problems such as headaches, fatigue, or joint pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 12th, Vanna will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. He hopes to walk unaided and return to his duties at the pagoda soon. Vanna said: "I hope the hardware will be removed easily and the wound will quickly heal."