Beatrice is a friendly, outspoken, and determined woman from Uganda. She separated from her husband fifteen years ago, leaving her to care for their two sons and one daughter. Her elder son is a teacher, her daughter is a nurse operating a small medicine shop, and her younger son is in school and just finished senior year six. Growing up, Beatrice wished to become a teacher, but she had to leave school early. Despite this setback, Beatrice has worked hard to provide an education for her children from the modest income she makes from running a small retail shop. She also engages in farming to supplement her income. Over six years ago, Beatrice began to experience troubling symptoms, including an anterior neck swelling. She reports feeling that her neck veins are always paralyzed, experiencing pain when swallowing, having shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing when sleeping. As her symptoms became too severe to manage, she sought help at our medical partner’s care center. The doctors had her undergo a thyroid test and diagnosed her condition as a giant goiter. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Beatrice needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Beatrice receive treatment. On April 9th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which the surgeon will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Beatrice said, “I am hopeful for a successful surgery, and I will continue with my business in good health after I have recovered.”

Racheal is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She studied up to secondary school in class two before dropping out due to financial constraints. Her husband is also a farmer, and they have two children. Racheal's eldest child is three and a half years old and in nursery school and her second child is two years old. They stay in a four-room mud house and work hard to make ends meet for their family. During her free time, she enjoys working on her small farm. Racheal is currently expecting her third child. She received antenatal care at Maziba Health Centre IV and reported to Rushoroza Hospital on 17th January. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because her pregnancy is high risk and this way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Racheal undergo a C-Section on January 19th. This procedure will cost $214, and Racheal needs your support. Rachael says, “I am praying for a successful surgery with a positive outcome and hope to be back to my farming and life as I recover."

Han Thar is a 45-year-old single mother from Thailand. Han Thar lives with her two sons and a daughter. As she is a homemaker, her family's sole income comes from her eldest son, who works as a day laborer. Her other children are attending school. Han Thar enjoys spending quality time with her family. Since 2020, Han Thar has been experiencing significant back pain and abdominal discomfort when sitting and lying down. She has been diagnosed with leiomyoma uterus. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Han Thar's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Han Thar is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on December 7th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, requests $1,500 to cover her procedure and care costs. Once recovered, she will no longer experience pain and discomfort. Han Thar said, "When I heard that I could receive surgery with the help of Watsi and the donors, my children and I were overjoyed. There are no words to express how the Burma Children Medical Fund is helping me. I promise I will do my best to take care of myself after my surgery."