Sarin is a 53-year-old single woman who lives in Phnom Penh province and is the primary caregiver for her elderly parents. She has five living siblings (sadly, two of her siblings died young) who help to support her and her parents. Most of her day is taken up with caring for her parents, cooking, and cleaning. In the evenings, Sarin likes to practice dhamma - a form of Buddhist meditation - as well as listen to the village monks pray on the local radio station. For many years, Sarin had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. If untreated, a cholesteatoma can cause erosion of the three small bones located in the middle ear, resulting in nerve deterioration, imbalance, vertigo, and deafness. It can also affect and erode, through the enzymes it produces, the thin bone structure that isolates the top of the ear from the brain, risking further infection with serious complications. Sarin's cholesteatoma has caused her many problems. She suffers ear discharge, headaches, and a gradual loss of hearing. It is difficult for her to communicate with her family and other villagers, and she is embarrassed that she cannot hear well. She visited several hospitals seeking care but could not afford to pay for surgery. One of the hospitals suggested she visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Sarin traveled to CSC and, after examination, learned that she will be able to receive treatment. On October 17, the ENT surgeons at CSC will remove the cholesteatoma by performing a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. CSC is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sarin said: "I hopeful that this operation will improve my hearing and prevent a brain infection."

Kelita is a single mother with four children, aged 18,14,12, and 8. Kelita shared that she separated from her husband in 2017 because she would not adhere to cultural chieftaincy rules that wives are supposed to follow. Kelita refused to stop going to church; hence her family broke apart, and her husband married another woman. He does not provide support for his children so Kelita works hard to support her family on her own. Kelita sells cooked green maize in the nearest markets, earning about $37.00 per month. She and her four children live in a three-room house without water or electricity. Kelita does extra work in people’s gardens for her family's support and shared that she enjoys eating nsima (ugali) with vegetables prepared with groundnut flour. Kelita was well until 2011, when, after the delivery of her third child, she noted a fast-growing swelling on her neck. She did not seek medical care as there was no pain. As time passed, the swelling grew, but was not painful. In 2021, Kelita started experiencing neck heaviness and breathlessness, frequent coughs, and pains when carrying heavy items on her head. This affected her daily activities and business since she could no longer carry a basket of maize on her head. Kelita stopped her cooking business and relied on doing piece work in people’s gardens to support her family. However, even this is difficult now, as bending has become a challenge. In November 2021, Kelita visited her nearest hospital and was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where an ultrasound scan revealed a bilateral complex mass in her thyroid. Kelita was sent for thyroid function tests but since she did not have the money required for the tests, she returned home to try traditional medicine, to no avail. In July, Kelita met a Partners in Hope (PIH) beneficiary who guided her to visit PIH for potential support from Watsi. On August 14th, Kelita met the surgeon at PIH. After the required tests were completed, a diagnosis of goiter was confirmed. Kelita was told she needed to have a surgical intervention called thyroidectomy, the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Due to her financial challenges, Kelita was referred to Watsi's medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, for support. Kelita could smile much bigger after hearing about the planned surgery and committed to a co-pay $27.64 from her savings. Kelita hopes to be well again after the surgical operation. Kelita looks forward to the peace of mind that will enable her to support her children as a single parent. “I need my peace of mind for me to resume my business and be able to carry items on my head again. Kindly help me,” Kelita says.

Lydiah is a 36-year-old fruit vendor from Kenya. Her husband is a motorcycle driver, and they have two children, ages eleven and seven. For seven months, Lydiah has been experiencing pain and abnormal bleeding in a sensitive area. After seeking treatment, Lydiah was diagnosed with a left ovarian benign cystadenoma and uterine fibroids. To relieve her pain, Lydiah needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. However, Lydiah does not currently have medical coverage and cannot afford the proposed procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On July 21st, Lydiah will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH's care center. Once recovered, Lydiah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, AMH is requesting $1260 to fund Lydiah's surgery. Lydiah said, “These stomach pains are unbearable and very uncomfortable. I cannot go to the market to sell fruits because of the pain. I hope to get this surgery to ease the pain and get back to my job.”

Lu lives with her family in a refugee camp in the border area of Thailand. She works as a community health worker and enjoys cooking, watching TV, and playing with children in her free time. Over three years ago, Lu started to experience pain in her back and lower abdomen, accompanied by blood in her urine. She felt tired and had a low appetite. She was able to visit Chiang Mai Hospital and was diagnosed with kidney stones. Unfortunately, Lu's treatment was delayed due to a Covid outbreak in the camp. Additionally, she was unable to afford the procedure she needs. Fortunately, Lu was able to meet our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). Lu's doctor wants to perform percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), an operation to remove her kidney stones. Lu is scheduled to receive her operation on June 8th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to help fund this procedure so Lu can return to being pain free in life. Lu said, "I love my job working as a community health worker in the refugee camp. But I cannot continue to work with this condition. Thank you BCMF and all of the donors for helping me."

Morm is a 31-year-old furniture maker from a small village in Cambodia. He lives with his wife and five-year-old son and works in a furniture factory. Three days ago, Morm was in a motorbike accident. He fractured the middle finger and wrist on his left hand. He has not been able to return to work and is in constant pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 1st, Morm will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This procedure will relieve Morm's pain, and enable him to use his hand easily again. Now Morm needs your support to fund his surgery. Morm said: "I want surgery to fix my hand so I can go back to work to support my family."

Meet Pati, a 16-year-old student from Burma. Pati helps his family on the farm and loves to listen to music in his free time. Pati was born with club foot in his left foot that impacts his mobility. Doctors want Pati to undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will help doctors with diagnosis and formulating an appropriate treatment plan. Pati is scheduled to undergo a CT scan on April 11th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), is requesting $469 to cover the cost of Pati's CT scan and care. Sharing about the challenges he has experienced, Pati said: "I always try to encourage myself, though. I feel happy to receive help from you. After I get treated, I want to study and work in Thailand. In the future, I dream about becoming a businessman.”

Ra He, a 20-year-old woman living in Thailand, currently resides with her husband in a refugee camp positioned along the Thai-Burma border. Her husband supports their livelihood as a farm day laborer. During her free time, she finds solace in watching movies on her phone. Towards the close of 2021, Ra He began experiencing persistent discomfort in her lower right abdomen, which intensified during the early morning and nighttime hours. Additionally, she faces irregular menstruation patterns and struggles to attain restful sleep due to the persistent pain. She was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. To address this, surgeons at our medical partner's care center, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), recommended an oophorectomy—a surgical procedure that would remove her ovary. Fortunately, Ra He is scheduled to undergo her oophorectomy on August 28th. BCMF is requesting $913 to help fund the procedure and subsequent care. In her own words, Ra He expressed, "The ceaseless pain inhibits me from engaging in household tasks. I'm also concerned about potential challenges in conceiving due to my condition and the impending surgery. I extend my gratitude to the generous donors for facilitating my treatment. Upon recovering my health, I aspire to establish a small in-house grocery store."

Abel is a 75-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a sharp man who is advanced in age but is still strong and active. He is the proud father of six children. Of his three sons, two are teachers and one is in the bodaboda business. His daughters are all married and work as farmers. In his evenings, he passes the time grazing his goats and sheep. For the past three years, Abel has experienced left inguinal swelling and has had a left inguinal hernia. The swelling causes sharp pain, especially when lifting heavy objects. He cannot stand or sit for long periods, and the swelling intensifies when he coughs or laughs. Due to limited finances, he has never been to the hospital until recently when the pain became unbearable. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Abel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Abel says, “I hope I will surely get better after being operated and I am happy that the hospital bill will be settled.”

Scovia is a mother of four. She shared that she separated from her husband three months ago due to domestic violence and is now living alone with two of her children. The other two are with their father, but she pays school fees for all of them. She does so through farming and selling Irish potatoes. Her firstborn is 18 years old and in primary school class seven while her youngest is 11 years old and in the fifth grade. Since three years ago, Scovia has been experiencing recurring lower abdominal pains accompanied by other challenging symptoms. She has been on medication since then but her condition has not improved. She is at risk of getting anemia and needs surgery which she cannot afford. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $319 to fund Scovia's surgery. On March 4th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Scovia will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Scovia says, “I have suffered in this condition for a while and need medical intervention. I pray that I may have a successful surgery so that I may be able to live a normal life once again. I will continue with farming for my children’s survival.”

Chamroeurn is a 20-year-old soccer player from Cambodia. He lives with his mother and father in Preah Sihanouk province. His father is a fisherman, and his mother is a homemaker. Chamroeurn plays soccer and is hoping to get a soccer scholarship to attend university. Last year, while training, he tripped over and fell without any collision. He tore a meniscus- a cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thighbone- and ruptured a ligament in his right knee. Chamrouern has pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion in his right knee. He continues to have a feeling of instability or "giving way" while bearing any weight on his knee and requires pain medication. Missing out on training and competing has affected his emotional and social well-being, as well as his identity as a fierce competitor. When Chamroeurn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform an anterior cruciate ligament repair procedure to relocate and secure his right knee. Chamroeurn needs help to fund this $600 procedure. Chamroeurn said: "After surgery, I hope that I can play soccer again and get the scholarship. This will help me to support my parents."

Yeu is a 44-year-old mother of two. She lives in Kampong Thom province with her husband and two daughters, who are both high school students. Her husband is a rice a farmer and fisherman in the off-season. Yeu works full-time at a fruit cart in her village. When not at work, she likes to watch TV and be with her family. Ten year ago, Yeu had an ear infection. This infection caused her left ear drum to perforate. For this reason, Yeu experiences pain, severe tinnitus, discharge, and hearing loss. She cannot communicate clearly with her family and customers, and experiences almost constant discomfort. Yeu traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 26th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear, where surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. She said,"I hope when I have an operation my hearing will improve and I won't have pain anymore."

Helen is a young student from Haiti. She lives with her parents in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; she is in first grade and likes her math and reading classes. Helen has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to be oxygenated, leaving her weak and short of breath. The surgery that Helen needs is not available anywhere in Haiti, so she will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On May 22, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart to close it. Another organization, HeartGift Foundation, is contributing $14,000 to pay for surgery. Helen's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and travel. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Helen's family overseas. Helen's father said: "Our family is all very excited and hopeful to know that our daughter's heart can be fixed soon!"