Caren is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya who is the third child in a family of seven. She contracted malaria and pneumonia when she was two and, while she recovered from those conditions, continued to experience a gradual swelling of her head thereafter. Now, the expansion of the circumference of Caren's head is one of many symptoms that she faces due to what has been diagnosed as hydrocephalus, or a buildup of fluid in the brain that increases intracranial pressure. In class, Caren trembles excessively when she writes, struggles to pay attention, and often falls asleep, resulting in the mockery of her peers. She additionally has little balance when she walks, struggles to urinate, and faces constant fatigue. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to fund the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that will drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid from Caren's brain. Without treatment, Caren is at risk of vision loss, permanent brain damage, and even death. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 29 and, once completed, will hopefully spare Caren of these awful complications. “I feel like giving up at times but I have to bear down on for my children," shares Caren's mother.

Four-year-old Maria is a charming girl with an infectious smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She is a nursery school student and the youngest of three children in her family. She lives with her family in a rental house in Kenya. Her mother sells African dresses, and her father works as a chef. Maria visited our medical partner's hospital with a protruding abdominal bulge that was visible under her woolen cardigan. She was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition that occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles, presenting as a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. Maria's condition causes her pain, and painkillers provide only temporary relief. Without surgery, a segment of the intestine may become trapped in the hernia and cause more intense pain. In addition, the blood supply to the trapped tissue may weaken and lead to tissue death. Fortunately, Maria will undergo an operation to repair the hernia on December 22. During the procedure, the surgeon will push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and cover the umbilical area with a synthetic mesh. Over time, muscle tissue will grow into and around the mesh to reinforce the area and prevent protrusion of the intestines. With very little income, Maria's parents are not able to raise the funds needed for Maria’s surgical care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $423. Funding for Maria covers the costs of the surgery, two nights in the hospital, pain medicine, blood tests, and antibiotics. "God bless anyone who takes the time to listen to my story," shares Maria's mother. "I hope you can inspire me by making a difference in the life of my daughter."

"I am hoping that I will be able to have surgery, so that I can run and play soccer like my friends," Jean Wilson tells our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA). Jean Wilson is a studious 16-year-old who was born with tetralogy of fallot, a heart condition that causes a hole to form between two chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage to form over one of the valves. As a result, Jean Wilson is chronically short of breath and his body is not able to absorb oxygen as easily as it could if his heart were healthy. "Because he has lived so long with this condition, there is a chance it may no longer be repairable, but the only way to determine this is by inserting a catheter into the chambers of his heart," HCA says. "Since this is not possible in Haiti, arrangements are being made to bring him to the Dominican Republic to perform this extremely important test in the hopes that he can have heart surgery later in the year." For $1500, Jean Wilson will be transported to the Dominican Republic for the catheterization procedure that will determine the operability of his congenital heart defect. If Jean Wilson is a good candidate for surgery, he will then undergo the operation so that he can regain his health and fulfill his dreams of becoming an engineer.

“Christina is a Kaqchikel-speaking Mayan woman from central Guatemala,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq. “She enjoys weaving and hanging out at home with friends and extended family. She is looking forward to feeling better so that she can continue to do the things she loves and to take care of her children.” “Christina has been having severe seizures for several months now,” explains Wuku’ Kawoq. “They are a great source of fear for her and they are limiting her ability to take care of her family, to engage in productive economic activities (like weaving, which she is very good at), and to enjoy life with her husband and friends. Christina and her family are very grateful for Watsi donors for their help.” Christina’s surgery costs $745 and will allow her to live the rest of her life without seizures. Let's make it happen!