Hospital San Juan de Dios Guatemala

Yordi is a young boy from Guatemala. Yordi was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and was operated on for the first time when he was just three days old. He is cared for with the greatest affection by his parents, and he is a loving, playful young boy. Yordi needs to undergo surgery to treat cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism—or undescended testicles—is a condition commonly found in young boys who were born prematurely, as Yordi was. In order to treat this condition, he will undergo a simple surgery that relocates the undescended testicle into its proper position. If left untreated, Yordi could be at risk for a variety of reproductive illnesses in the future, including inguinal hernia, infertility, and testicular cancer. On February 22, Yordi will undergo a procedure called an orchidopexy, which is surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum and permanently fix it there. $1,500 will pay for his laboratory testing, medication, travel, and accompaniment. This treatment will lessen Yordi's chances of developing complications later in life. Yordi's mother says, "I hope that Yordi can grow well so that in the future he is intelligent and can go to school."

Luis is young boy from Guatemala. Luis has a genetic syndrome called cri-du-chat, which causes cognitive and motor delays, among other symptoms. Luis is beloved by his entire family—he loves to play and sing with his older brother, and his mother works incessantly to care for Luis provide the best for him so that he can live happily. Luis needs to undergo surgery to treat cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism—or undescended testicles—is a condition commonly found in young boys who were born prematurely, as Luis was. In order to treat this condition, he will undergo a simple surgery that relocates the undescended testicle into its proper position. If left untreated, Luis could be at risk for a variety of reproductive illnesses in the future, including inguinal hernia, infertility, and testicular cancer. On October 5, Luis will undergo a procedure called an orchidopexy, which is surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum and permanently fix it there. $1,500 will pay for his laboratory testing, medication, travel, and accompaniment. This treatment will lessen Luis's chances of developing complications later in life. Luis's mother says, "Thank you so much for this support. I will fight with everything I have for my son to have a better life."

Meet two-year-old Gustavo. He lives with his mother, grandmother, and aunts and uncles in rural Guatemala. Gustavo loves eating vegetables and porridge. Gustavo has been diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a medical condition in which the testes remained undescended. Without surgery, Gustavo is at risk of developing a hernia, infertility, or testicular cancer. On September 6, Gustavo will undergo an orchidopexy surgery to correct his condition. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is asking for $1,500 in donations to fund Gustavo's surgery and hospital stay. This amount will also cover travel and accommodation costs for his mother. "I have no doubt that Gustavo will feel better after his surgery. I thank you with my entire heart for all this help you have given us. May God bless you all," says Gustavo's mother.

Carlos is a two-year-old boy who lives with his family in rural Guatemala. He was born with Down's Syndrome and is a caring and playful boy. In school, his teacher says he is an intelligent child, and Carlos's parents do everything they can so he can grow and develop well. Carlos was also born with cryptorchidism, meaning he has an undescended testicle. This condition is frequently found in young boys who were born prematurely, as Carlos was. In order to treat this condition, Carlos will need to undergo surgery. If left untreated, Carlos could be at risk of a variety of reproductive illnesses in the future, including inguinal hernia, infertility, and testicular cancer. With Watsi support, Carlos will undergo a procedure called orchidopexy, which is a surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum and permanently fix it there. He will need $1,500 to fund laboratory testing, medication, and travel to and from the hospital. His procedure is scheduled for September 8. After treatment, Carlos will be much less likely to suffer from cryptorchidism-related complications later in life, and his parents will have peace of mind. Carlos’s mother says, “Thank you all for your great hearts, thank you for donating so that our son can have this surgery."

Lidia is 61 years old and volunteers as a nurse in her community. Unfortunately, a recent health condition has limited her ability to volunteer. Lidia has a gynecological condition that causes her pain and discomfort. This condition is relatively easy to treat. A one-time repair surgery typically cures most women. Lidia's surgery is scheduled for February 9. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is requesting $657 to help fund her procedure. Lidia shares, "I thank you from my soul for the help you are providing. I hope God blesses each of you who are watching out for my health. The same goes to the institution and all the people involved in this process. For me, you have been angels sent by God."

Maria is a 42-year-old mother of seven. Three of her children are married, one just graduated from high school, and the youngest three live at home and continue to attend school. Maria sells handcrafted items, such as bracelets. She is working hard to start her own business. For several years, Maria has been living with a painful uterine condition. She has been focusing on her children and her work without taking time to attend to her own health needs. Fortunately, on November 28, Maria underwent a repair surgery with our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq. She needs help to pay for this $657 procedure. After recovery, Maria will return to her family and business free of the discomfort and pain she has been experiencing for years. "Before, there wasn't help," says Maria, "but now that there is help, I think I have to take advantage of it."

Estela is a 33-year-old woman from Guatemala. She was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 22. Previously, Watsi donors funded the insulin treatment she needed to avoid the symptoms of high blood sugar, including blurry vision and weight loss. Estela visited our medical partner when she was 31 weeks pregnant. Because of her medical history, her doctors considered her a high-risk pregnancy. She checked into the hospital on November 28, where doctors could ensure that she has the highest quality prenatal care and that she gave birth in a safe environment. Estela is already the mother to two adolescent boys. She works hard to support them, cleaning her neighbors' houses, selling vegetables in the market, and embroidering traditional Mayan sashes. Despite her hard work, she cannot afford healthcare. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is requesting $308 to fund her treatment. "I want to do everything possible so my baby is born healthy and safe," says Estela.