Naomi is a single mother of three, all of which are still in school. Naomi earns a living through casual jobs, like washing clothes for her neighbors. In 2018, she started experiencing pain on the right side of her abdomen. She was diagnosed with gallstones and her surgeon has shared that she needs a laparotomy. Unfortunately, she could not afford the surgery until a neighbor, who is one of our supportive staff, told her about the Watsi program. If not treated Naomi will continue to experience pain and may develop an infection or inflammation. Fortunately our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Now, they are asking for your help to fund this $788 surgery. “When I did not have this condition I was able to provide for my children, but now I have difficulties so I plead for help. I hope to get well so that I can take care of my family,” shared Naomi.

Daw Ei is a 48-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, mother, two daughters, son, and daughter-in-law in Yangon. Her husband is a security guard, her mother is retired, and her daughter-in-law is a homemaker. Her eldest daughter works in a factory, her other daughter is a student, and her son works as a mason. Daw Ei used to work as a shop vender herself but had to stop three years ago due to her health problem. Daw Ei was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, Daw Ei suffers from chest pains, feels tired and cannot walk long distances. Sometimes, she has no appetite. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Daw Ei. The treatment is scheduled to take place on June 14th and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Daw Ei said, “I’m worried about my health problem. Also, I’ve spent all my money on [seeking] treatment and I had to borrow 300,000 kyat (approx. 300 USD) from my daughter’s friend. I want to be cured.”

Darun is a 20-year-old gas station worker from Cambodia. He is the fourth child in a family of five brothers and a sister. After work, he likes to exercise, listen to classical music, play games on his phone, and help his family around the house. He also enjoys going for walks around the city with his friends. In October of 2019, Darun was treated for a fractured right leg at a local hospital after getting in a motorcycle accident. He has swelling and pain when he walks. He cannot walk without support and is unable to work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 9th, Darun will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $465. Surgery will fix Darun with hardware that will help his injuries heal, and allow him to walk again. "I hope that surgery will help fix my leg and I won't have any pain and can walk again," he said.

Taing is a 15-year-old student from Cambodia. He has two brothers, four sisters, and he enjoys reading and listening to music. Since Taing was born, he has had swelling of his right foot and ankle. His leg has gradually been increasing over time, and it is difficult for him to walk or wear shoes. When Taing learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for seven hours seeking treatment. On March 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a tumor excision and flap procedure so that he will be able to walk without difficulty, and will no longer feel any pain or discomfort. Taing will be able to be fitted normally with shoes again. Now, he needs help to fund this $657 procedure. "I hope that my son recovers well from his surgery because he is very unhappy and I worry about him a lot." -Taing's Mother

Lewis is a playful and social student from Kenya. Lewis is the brother to Jonah, who also needs clubfoot repair, and is the 6th born in a family of 8 children. He aspires to be in the Special Forces as a Military Officer in future. The family hails from Iteria village in Meru County. His single mother used to be farmer but she currently stays at home. She recently underwent an amputation on her leg after suffering from diabetes. Lewis has clubfoot of both of his feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Lewis traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on March 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,224 to fund Lewis's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk well and no longer be in pain. “We request your support. I cannot be able to raise the estimated bill. Please help,” Lewis’s mother pleaded with us.

Sarorn is a 33-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She is the first born of four siblings, and enjoys watching television, listening to music, and reading books in her free time. Two months ago, Sarorn had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Sarorn experiences tinnitus and hearing loss. She cannot communicate well among her family members and finds it difficult to go about her daily activities because of the pain. Sarorn traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 3rd, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $464 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. "I hope that after my surgery is complete, my ear drum will heal and I will be able to hear clearly again," she shared.

Francis is a young boy from Kenya. The second born of two children, Francis, lives with his parents and sibling in a one-room house in Central Kenya. His mother is a stay-at-home mom while his father is a works at their local bus terminus. Francis was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Francis has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Francis will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 28. AMHF is requesting $535 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. “I will appreciate help to see my young son getting better,” says Francis’ mother.

Jane, a self-employed woman, was unfortunate to fall in a latrine in July 2018, severely breaking her leg. Upon the accident, she was rushed to Nakuru Hospital, where she was admitted and had surgery in which a metal plate was inserted. She went for clinics in the same hospital after being discharged, but the leg was not improving at all. Her uncle came to her rescue in June 2019 and brought her to Kijabe Hospital. Jane was admitted, had the metals on her leg replaced with lighter ones, and was discharged. She has been coming for clinics to monitor her leg. An x-ray was done and it was decided that another surgery was needed. Due to lack of funds, Jane went home helpless. Being a divorced woman and self-employed (selling second-hand clothes), Jane is the breadwinner of her family of five children. With her mobility being hindered by her broken leg, she cannot do as much as she would have if she’d be on both feet. This surgery will definitely improve Jane’s and her children’s quality of life.

Dachena is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents, grandparents, and siblings in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She likes going to school and singing in her church choir. Dachena has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of her heart was severely damaged by a rheumatic fever she suffered in childhood, and can no longer adequately pump blood through her body. Dachena will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 29th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair her valve; if they are unable to do so, they will implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, The Mitral Foundation, is contributing $7500 to pay for surgery. Dachena's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. 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 Dachena's family overseas. Dachena said, "I hope that after surgery I will have more energy to do the things I enjoy!"

Wim is a 48-year-old monk from Burma. He lives in a monastery in Taungoo, Bago Division. He became a monk three years ago, after he got divorced. Wim was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, Wim feels tired and cannot walk long distance. Sometimes, he has back pain and he feels like he cannot breathe well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Wim. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 06 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Wim said, “I would to remain a monk and study Buddhism. I would really like to thank the donors, BCMF and the doctors for helping me receive surgery [in the future]. I am very happy right now.”

Nesy is a baby from Tanzania. Nesy is a first born child to her newly wed parents who were very excited for her arrival. She was born in a local dispensary near their village. Nesy’s parents are subsistence farmers who earn very little and had to sell some of their cows and goats to be able to get trnsport to the hospital. Nesy was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Nesy is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $966 to cover the cost of Nesy's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 09. This procedure will hopefully spare Nesy from the risks associated with her condition, instead allowing her to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Nesy’s mother says, “Please help my daughter get this surgery, I am so worried about her, she is very little and she has such a big problem. Please help us.”

Michael is a motorcycle taxi operator from Kenya. He is a hardworking and entrepreneurial man. In July, Micheal was involved in an accident with another motorbike. He was brought to the hospital, where it was confirmed that he had sustained a fracture of the left femur. He is not able to walk and is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On July 25, Michael will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk easily again Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $998 to fund this procedure. “I cannot afford the cost of surgery. I will be eternally grateful if you can find a way to help,” Michael says.