Shuayib is a cheerful, active, and outgoing six-year-old from Ethiopia. He is in the second level of preschool, where he is doing well in his studies and dreams of a bright future. Shuayib also enjoys playing football, rock-paper-scissors, and spending time with his friends. His mother is a homemaker, and his father works as a daily labourer to support their family. Shuayib was born with hypospadias, a birth condition that affects the urethra and can lead to complications later in life if left untreated. Learning about his condition was emotionally challenging for his family. When they brought him to a hospital, the doctor informed them he would need to undergo three surgeries. He underwent his first procedure, and then a year later, he underwent the second. Unfortunately, after the surgery, he developed an infection that blocked the urinary tube. With proper medical treatment, the infection was completely cured. Six months later, Shuayib was referred to our medical partner's hospital, BethanyKids, for further review and treatment. Shuayib's doctors at BethanyKids explained the procedure to his parents and scheduled his surgery. After many years of worry and hardship, his family was grateful to learn that the surgery would be financially covered and Shuayib would finally receive the help he needed to heal. His parents expressed their appreciation for the kindness of the staff, saying, "We are so happy to be here. The staff treated us with great care, provided us with clear information, and gave us hope. We are truly grateful." On June 5th, Shuayib will undergo corrective surgery to treat hypospadias. This procedure will relieve him of discomfort and the risk of developing future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Shuayib's father said, "We have no words to express our thanks. May God bless all of you and provide for you as you have provided hope for us. We pray that God grants you good health, long life, and continued strength. Thank you to all the staff for your kindness, care, and politeness. We are truly grateful for everything you have done for our child."

Nilo is 48 years old and a hardworking father from the Philippines. He has two children, both of whom are in school. Four months ago, Nilo began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain in the stomach and the back. Nilo was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Nilo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on May 2nd. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nilo's surgery and care. Nilo shared, "I am deeply grateful for Watsi's help. I hope more people can receive and benefit from this opportunity."

Rahel is a 17-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her family, who depend on small-scale farming and seasonal labor for their livelihood. Those close to her describe her as patient, respectful, and determined, someone who rarely complains even when things are difficult. Despite these challenges, Rahel has remained motivated about her future. Rahel has grown up carrying a heavy physical burden caused by burn scar contractures affecting her hand. She values education and practical skills and wants to be able to work and support herself. However, the functional limitation in her hand has made schoolwork, vocational tasks, and daily chores slower and more difficult, affecting both her confidence and productivity With limited and unpredictable income, accessing specialized reconstructive care was never financially possible. As a result, Rahel adapted as best as she could, learning to use her hand in alternative ways, avoiding tasks that required strength and flexibility, and quietly pushing through discomfort. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rahel receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give her a strong chance to regain grip strength and finger mobility, improvements that will directly impact her independence, learning ability, and future employability. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Rahel says, “Because my fingers are tight and cannot open well, I struggle to hold things firmly or write for long. I hope this treatment will help me use my hand normally and work independently.”

Noosokon is a 34-year-old mother of four from Kenya. She and her husband own two cows, relying on livestock farming for their family's livelihood. A few days ago, Noosokon was milking one of the cows, as was her daily routine, when the cow suddenly struck her on the right side of her jaw, pushing her against a sharp object that severely injured her face. She began bleeding and was in severe pain. She was rushed to a nearby health center before being referred to a hospital for further management. At the hospital, she received first aid treatment, including stitches to the open wound, and was given pain medication before being referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Scans at the hospital revealed that her jaw had been fractured during the incident. Unfortunately, she has not been able to undergo treatment because her family is not able to raise the amount required for surgery. Her jaw remains swollen, and she has been unable to eat due to the pain and swelling; she can only take milk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 3rd, Noosokon will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help relieve her pain, help her heal and go back to her daily life. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Noosokon says, “I am in pain. I am unable to sleep due to the swelling.”

Jeronimo is a little boy from Colombia. He lives in Támesis, Antioquia, with his parents. He is curious and intelligent, full of dreams and eager to get ahead. Jeronimo was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Jeronimo has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Knowing of these future complications has been difficult for Jeronimo's family, especially given their financial circumstances. The opportunity to receive care would represent an immense blessing for their family and new hope for Jeronimo's future. Fortunately, Jeronimo will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 24th. Clinica Noel is requesting $1,167 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. His parents shared that they hope treatment will significantly transform Jeronimo's quality of life. Jeronimo's mother expresses her gratitude for the support, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every person who has supported my son. Your generous gesture goes far beyond material help; it is a sign of selfless love, faith in dreams, and light at a time when we urgently needed it. I cannot thank you enough. This surgery, which we have waited so long for, represents a great blessing and new hope for Jeronimo's health. After receiving this treatment, what we most desire is his speedy recovery, well-being, and a full life. We trust that God will bless you abundantly for this beautiful work and for the positive impact you have had on our lives."

Chorb is 76 years old and a doting grandmother from Cambodia. Five months ago, after her husband passed away, Chorb moved in with her eldest child. She has four other children and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. For the past four months, Chorb has suffered from hip pain that prevents her from walking. Because of this, she cannot move around freely or visit the pagoda, which was part of her daily routine. She worries about losing her independence and being limited in her activities. Chorb was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), by a friend from her village. On November 11th, Chorb will undergo a hip replacement procedure on her left hip. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $1,400 more to fund her procedure and care. After surgery, Chorb hopes to regain mobility, to be free from hip pain, and to return to visiting the pagoda independently. Chorb said: “After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have hip pain, and I can walk on my own."

Benyas is a shy four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives in a small, rented house with his mother, grandmother, and two brothers. Life has not been easy for the family. His mother works as a domestic helper, while his father, who lives separately, does casual labor. Despite their hard work, the family often struggles to put enough food on the table. His grandmother, once a strong source of support, had to stop working due to asthma, which added even more strain to their situation. Benyas has been facing several health challenges that have further drained the family’s finances. One particularly difficult day, after experiencing itchiness and pain, he was taken to a hospital that referred him to a larger public hospital. However, the family had to wait long for treatment, leaving them frustrated and anxious. His grandmother was especially distressed, worrying about his future and saddened that Benyas had not yet started school. Just when hope seemed lost, a family friend advised them to visit our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Benyas was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future medical complications. Fortunately, Benyas is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 4th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Benya's grandmother said, "My only wish is for good health, education, and stability. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to see him in good health and reflect that after his treatment, I'll see him like other healthy children."

Linn lives with his family in Mon State, Burma. He and his brothers attend school while his parents works on a rubber farm. The family also maintains a small garden where they grow vegetables for household use and sell the surplus to earn extra income. In his free time, Linn enjoys playing football with his friends. Linn was born with congenital scrotal hypospadias, a birth condition where the urethra opens below the tip of the penis. He underwent surgery in 2013, but unfortunately, it was not successful. In November 2024, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), helped Linn receive the first of two surgeries needed. Unfortunately, Linn developed appendicitis during his hospitalization and required an emergency appendectomy. Linn has had a long and difficult health care journey. Currently, he continues to experience some pain and discomfort, and feels self-conscious about his condition. Thankfully, Linn only needs one more repair surgery, after which his symptoms should finally be resolved. Linn's final surgery is scheduled to take place on November 4th, and BCMF is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Linn's mother said, "I felt very unhappy because we could not afford his surgery. After learning that the donors would help my son, I felt so happy and grateful. Thank you for helping my son. I hope to see him become a football player when he grows up because he is happiest when he plays football."

Tsegazeab is a four-year-old child from Ethiopia. His father works as a daily laborer, and his mother braids hair for a living. Despite their hard work, their income is very limited and often not enough to cover daily needs. Tsegazeab was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications Tsegazeab's parents noticed the condition at birth. They visited a health center and learned the condition could be corrected surgically—but at a cost far beyond their means. His father recalls: “When we heard about the financial burden of surgery, we just lost hope.” For a long time, the family did not seek treatment, believing they could never afford it. Tsegazeab’s mother also shared that she had once tried to seek help at a government hospital but had to stop because of the high treatment costs. Everything changed when a neighbor, who had successfully received surgery at BethanyKids at Myungsung Christian Medical Center (BKMCM), our medical partner's care center, shared his experience and encouraged the family to seek care through its services. Tsegazeab’s father contacted the program facilitator, who reassured him that help was available and guided him through the process. The organization provided the family with accommodation during their stay, and the hospital team supported them throughout their journey of care. Without this support, the family would not have been able to afford the surgery. Fortunately, Tsegazeab is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Tsegazeab's father said, "I hope he will get the surgery and heal. After the surgery, I want to tell about this program to my community so others can benefit from this also."