Kachingwe is a 63-year-old farmer from Malawi who lives with his wife and extended family. Kachingwe not only farms maize, but also raises chickens and goats. In his spare time, Kachingwe likes to be with his grandchildren and tell them stories. Unfortunately, in May 2017 of this year, Kachingwe developed a painful hydrocele, which is a swelling of the testicles. This has reduced his activity level and left him with much discomfort. Kachingwe's family, who was unable to pay for this needed procedure, were thrilled to be introduced to Watsi and to our medical partner, World Altering Medicine. World Altering Medicine is now requesting $302 to fund surgery to drain the hydrocele, a procedure that will likely allow Kachingwe to regain full mobility and leave him with much reduced levels of pain. This surgery is scheduled for August 2. Kachingwe is looking forward to having his operation and going back to his land and family. His nephew, Enoch, says "I give thanks for this and wish for a successful procedure."

Laura is a 21-year-old student from rural Uganda. Laura comes from a large family of seven children. During her free time, Laura likes to take nature walks and visit friends. Laura has been living with a painful umbilical hernia for the past eight years that has only become more painful over time. Seeking treatment through our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, she is now scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery on June 12. She is requesting $229 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Laura is training to be a midwife but her hernia causes her pain when she is assisting mothers during delivery. After surgery, Laura hopes to continue with her studies. She loves being a midwife and helping mothers bring their babies into this world. “I thank the donors for the support, my mother is not able to pay for the surgery, and we struggle a lot with raising tuition and other home needs,” she says.

Abner is a 21-month-old toddler from Guatemala. He is a quiet child with encouraging parents. Abner's parents want their son to grow up healthy and have a professional job in the future. Abner is experiencing symptoms of malnutrition, a dangerous condition that results from consuming too few calories and nutrients. In the short term, this means that Abner has little energy to grow, and he also gets sick more often than other children. The long-term consequences of malnutrition include increased risk of chronic diseases and delayed development. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is asking for $492 to fund treatment for Abner. On June 22, Abner will begin routine growth monitoring and nutrient supplementation. Local health workers will also teach Abner’s mother about nutrition. These interventions will ensure Abner grows up strong and healthy. Abner’s mother says, “I am grateful to the support we will receive because it will help us to feed our son better.”

Charity is a two-year-old girl from Uganda suffering from acute malnutrition. Her parents are farmers who also brew and sell local gin in order to fund their seven children's school fees. When Charity is feeling well, she enjoys dancing and playing with other children. Charity's condition has caused her to develop a respiratory infection and severe edema, or a build-up of fluid in the body that causes the affected tissue to swell. These conditions cause Charity to experience discomfort and to be irritable. Without treatment, she is at risk of severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation is requesting $316 to help fund Charity's malnutrition treatment. The treatment is scheduled to be administered on June 3 and includes a ten-night hospital stay, medications, labs, and provision of nutrient-rich formulas. Her mother will also receive nutritional counseling so that she may learn how to prepare nutritious meals at home. Charity's mother is looking forward to Charity getting well. She hopes that they will save enough money to send Charity to school next year. “Thank you very much for paying my daughter’s medical bills. May God bless you abundantly,” says Charity's mother.