Juan is a 20-month-old baby living in Guatemala with his family. He is the second youngest of ten children. He lives with his family in a one-room adobe house in a rural mountainous community. His mother works at home, taking care of Juan and his siblings, and in her free time weaves traditional Mayan textiles. His father is a day laborer, who works harvesting corn, beans, and squash. Juan's parents are unable to provide basic sustenance with their income, and he goes days without fruits, vegetables, or eggs. He is far below a normal height and weight, and he has not reached developmental milestones, such as walking and talking. His acute malnutrition has also weakened his immune system, and he has a higher risk for frequent diarrhea, coughs, and fevers. For $512, Juan can receive the treatment he needs to resolve his malnutrition. His treatment cost covers growth monitoring visits, food supplements, and medication to help him gain weight and develop properly. This treatment will strengthen his immune system, increase his overall caloric intake, and make it so he has more energy to play and learn. His parents will also receive nutritional education to help them optimize the diet he needs. Following his treatment, Juan should make a full recovery, rebuild his immune system, and return to proper development. With his expected increase in potential for productivity in society, his posterity will also be less likely to develop malnutrition.

This is Manfred, a grandfather from Malawi. He has six children and 21 grandchildren. Some of his family live nearby while others have moved away. Ever since October of last year, he has experienced painful urinary symptoms. Manfred suffers from benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition leads to swelling of the prostate gland, partially blocking the urethra. The pain has limited his ability to operate the family farm and to build a house. Watsi's medical partner, World Altering Medicine, can provide Manfred with the surgical necessities, medications, and respite to resect a portion of the prostate. $742 in funding will cover all surgical expenses to remove excess tissue and treat prostate enlargement. After this surgery, Manfred will no longer need to worry about any prostrate-related pain. "Since I'm going to become well once the operation is done, I'm a happy person for that," Manfred said.

“Once Betty gets to know you she is extremely outgoing and makes everyone laugh,” says our Guatemalan partner Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). Betty is two-years-old and lives in Guatemala with her parents and three older sisters. WK tells us, “She loves to spend time with her older sisters, especially ‘playing kitchen’ and singing songs. She also likes to play with dolls in the afternoon.” Right now, Betty is underweight and short for her age, which is causing her family to be concerned with her growth and nutrition. WK explains, “She's suffered from a series of early childhood illnesses which put her behind and then her parents could not afford medical treatment to get her caught up. Now, if she doesn't get help, she is at high risk of permanent loss of her growth potential. Her dad does not have a regular job, and so food is tight. Betty usually has to skip meals or can only have porridges. Her diet is really lacking in protein and in vitamins.” For $535, Betty will receive malnutrition treatment which includes food supplements, lab tests and medication. Betty's parents tell WK that they hope she can "grow up to do well in school and hopefully to have a professional job." Let’s help her get back on track so she can grow up healthy and make her parents proud!

Belaynesh is a quiet 15-year-old girl living in Ethiopia. She is currently in grade eight and enjoys reading and helping around the house. Her parents are both farmers. She has three sisters and two brothers, all of whom she gets along with well. Belaynesh also likes to play with her friends in her village. Belaynesh was born with a club foot, which prevents her from walking normally. Instead, she walks on the sides of her feet. The condition causes her pain and self-esteem problems. Belaynesh says, “I always feel inferior as a person when I compare myself with my friends and it always worries me. I am so glad and thankful that I have a chance to be healed.” For $1,000, Belaynesh will undergo a left foot triple arthrodesis surgery. She will be able to live life pain-free and without the stigma that this condition can cause. Belaynesh wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can help kids like herself. Let's help Belaynesh achieve that goal and more!