Jessie is a 61-year-old man from the Philippines. He previously worked as a driver for taxis, tricycles, and jeepneys, but had to stop working when his medical condition got worse. Five years ago, Jessie developed an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. The condition has interfered with his daily activities, including earning an income, but unfortunately he has delayed receiving necessary medical treatment because of financial limitations. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful that he can receive treatment soon, regain his ability to work, and provide for his family once again. Fortunately, on October 30th, Jessie will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Jessie's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jessie states: "I am beyond grateful to Watsi because of the help they provide. I cannot afford the procedure by myself. I hope you can help more and more patients who are in the same situation as I am. My family is so happy!"

Danna is a three-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, dad, and an older brother. Her father works in tourism, while her mother takes care of the children at home. Danna's mother noticed that she was not growing properly or gaining weight, so she took her to the hospital where her heart problem was discovered. Danna has a cardiac condition called patents ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Danna's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. Danna also has Down syndrome. On September 22nd, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Danna's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Her mother says: "I have a lot of hope, I pray the surgery goes well, she needs this surgery urgently."

Tamirat is a cheerful four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives with his parents, his older brother, and his older sister in a rented house. He loves playing football with his brother and sister. He also enjoys watching movies and cartoons, and one of his favorite activities is praying. His name, Tamirat, means "miracle." His grandmother chose the name because his mother became seriously ill during her pregnancy as a result of heavy physical work. After Tamirat was born, his mother recovered, and the family considered his birth a miracle from God. One day, Tamirat's uncle was helping him get dressed when he noticed that one of his testicles was not in it's place. Concerned, he advised Tamirat's mother to have him examined. At the health center, a doctor examined Tamirat and he also underwent an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Tamirat would have an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Tamirat and his mother were referred to a higher-level hospital for further evaluation and treatment, where he was placed on a surgery wait list. Three months later, they were referred to our medical partner's care center, Bethany Kids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). While Tamirat's mother was relieved that this meant her son would receive treatment soon, it also got her anxious as she knew her family could not afford the cost of surgery. She manually cleans other people's clothes to earn an income, while Tamira's father works as a daily laborer. Despite their hard work, they struggle to provide for their family. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tamirat receive treatment. On July 20th, he will undergo corrective surgery to treat his condition, and reduce medical risks in the future. Now, Tamirat's family needs help to fund this $754 procedure. Tamirat's mother shared, "I am so happy to have come here to BethanyKids. The welcome we received was wonderful, and all the staff were kind and respectful. Thank you so much. May God bless every one of you. May He continue to bless the work of your hands and reward you for the kindness you show to children like my son."

Eimy is a newborn baby from Bolivia. She lives with her two older brothers, her mother who is a homemaker, and her dad who works as a roofer. When Eimy was born, her mom noticed that her face looked blue, she was breathing fast, and could not breastfeed well. Eimy was diagnosed with a cardiac condition called transposition of the great arteries. The two major arteries connected to the heart are attached to the heart in an anatomically abnormal configuration, meaning that blood cannot flow normally through the heart and body. Doctors explained that she needed urgent surgery. On May 19th, Eimy will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will detach the two arteries and reattach them in their normal positions, so that blood can flow normally. Eimy's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Eimy's mother says: "I have so many feelings right now, but I trust that my baby will have a successful surgery. I am so grateful to be here."

Elile is a three-year-old girl from Ethiopia. This bright young girl lives in a home dedicated to helping others, with a physician for a father and a teacher for a mother. Despite their medical and educational expertise, the family faces a tiring cycle of hospital visits that places a heavy logistical burden on parents working as dedicated government staff members. For one year now, Ellie has been experiencing chronic tonsillitis, causing fever and difficulty eating. This drains her energy and makes it difficult for her to obtain the necessary nutrition to thrive. If not treated, it will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Elile, which is scheduled to take place on April 25th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Elile of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Ellie's parents said, "We hope to leave the constant anxiety of illness behind. We look forward to a time when we can focus on work, while Ellie can simply focus on being a healthy and active child."

Laysing is a two-year-old boy from Preah Sihanouk Province in Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his four-year-old sister. His father works for a private company, while his mother stays at home to care for the children. He enjoys playing with toys alongside his sister, and his favorite meal is soup, especially lemongrass sour soup. Laysing was born with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side. His parents first noticed the condition when he began walking. As he has grown, the scoliosis has caused him to tire easily when walking or playing. The condition makes everyday activities difficult and sometimes causes discomfort. Laysing's parents are concerned about his posture and possible complications in the future. Laysing's family heard about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and traveled four hours to attend a consultation. After extensive testing, doctors recommended that Laysing have spinal surgery. Without treatment, Laysing's symptoms will continue, and he will be at risk of future complications. On March 23rd, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal "growing rod" into Laysing's spine to help correct the curve and allow for further spine growth. CSC is requesting $1,500 to cover the costs of his surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. This treatment will help him stand taller, move more comfortably, and reduce fatigue. After recovery, he should be able to play, walk, and participate in daily activities more easily, improving both his quality of life and his confidence. Laysing's mother shares, “I pray that after the surgery, my child will feel stronger, stand taller, and live freely without discomfort, embracing a future full of hope and happiness.”

Shakira is a cheerful and lively three-year-old girl. She is the second and youngest child in her family. Shakira lives with her loving mother, who works tirelessly as a small food vendor to provide for her children. Despite the financial challenges they face, Shakira’s mother is deeply devoted to her daughter’s well-being and future. As Shakira grew older and began learning to stand and walk, her mother noticed that she struggled with balance and could not walk properly like other children her age. She often stumbled, tired easily, and avoided standing for long periods due to discomfort. Despite these physical challenges, Shakira remains a joyful and curious child who loves interacting with other children, laughing, and exploring her surroundings. Concerned about her daughter’s future, Shakira’s mother brought her to Kafika House in search of help. Here, Shakira was diagnosed with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, will begin Shakira's clubfoot treatment on February 27th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to fund her clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will have the opportunity to walk normally, attend school, and live a full and independent life as her feet gradually realign. Once Shakira completes her treatment, she will be able to stand, walk, and grow without disability. Shakira's mother says, “She wants to walk and play like other children, but her feet make it difficult. I pray she can walk freely and grow up without this struggle.”

Devan is a five-year-old boy whose family hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. Devan lives with his aunt, who has been his primary caregiver since he was two years old. His aunt shared that Devan is the second-born child of her brother, and during Devan's early childhood, he and his sibling experienced significant neglect. Their parents were constantly in conflict and eventually separated, during which time the children were reportedly left without adequate food and care. This is when Devan's aunt chose to adopt and take responsibility for the two children. Devan's aunt is a single mother who separated from her husband about ten years ago. She has three biological children of her own and is now raising a total of five children. After leaving her marital home, she relocated to her maternal village, where she lives in a small rented house. To support her household, she earns a small income by washing clothes for neighbors. Despite her efforts, she reports that life has been extremely difficult, and meeting basic needs remains a daily struggle. Devan is currently enrolled in PP2 at a local school. While at school one day, he slipped and fell, sustaining an injury to his hand. He was initially taken to a nearby health facility; however, due to limited equipment and capacity, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital. Upon arrival, Devan’s hand was swollen, painful, and he was unable to use the affected limb. An X-ray done showing a fracture of the upper arm bone. An orthopedic surgeon has recommended an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure for proper management of the fracture. Devan's aunt, however, has no financial capacity to meet the cost of the required surgical procedure and associated hospital bills. She is therefore requesting financial support to enable Devan to receive the necessary treatment. Presently, it is difficult for him to use his hand, and he is in pain Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 19th, Devan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The procedure will alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $861 to fund this procedure. Devan's aunt says, "My nephew just had a fall, I didn't know it would come to a point when he would need surgery. Please help him so that when he fully recovers, he can go back to school."

Albert is a nine-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is full of potential and quiet courage. As the firstborn in his family, he carries a deep sense of responsibility for his siblings and supports his mother in household and farming tasks. Albert’s father left the family years ago, leaving his mother to raise the children alone. She farms a small plot of land to feed them. Albert recently started primary school, but his path has been difficult. Albert has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Albert has lived with pain and limited mobility all his life. He walks long distances with great effort, determined not to let his condition stop him from pursuing education. Fortunately, Albert's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on December 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Albert's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Albert’s future would drastically change, giving him the ability to walk without pain, attend school more confidently, and build a life defined not by his disability. Albert’s mother says, “I want to make sure my boy grows up happy and healthy."

Aun is a 52-year-old working father from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and youngest daughter, who attends university in the city. His oldest daughter is married and visits often with her family. Before his hip pain, Aun enjoyed exercising in the park and riding his bicycle. Since 2022, Aun has had difficulty walking due to pain in his right hip. He now relies on crutches, which has affected his work and his daily activities. He is unable to stand for long periods of time and wakes up at night from the pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 10th, Aun will undergo a hip replacement procedure, which will relieve his pain and improve his mobility, allowing him to work and take care of his family. Aun and his family can contribute $100 toward the cost, but need help raising $1,400 more. Aun shared, “After the surgery, I hope that I can walk without crutches and feel better at work."