Nicole is a five-month-old baby girl and is the youngest of her young mother's two children. They live in a one room house in the Nyanza region of Kenya, together with Nicole’s brother and grandmother. Nicole’s mother is a fresh high school graduate, a mother of two, and is currently unemployed. Nicole’s grandmother, the sole provider of the family, is employed as a house help and only makes enough to sustain her family. Nicole had an uneventful birth and a normal first few weeks of life until she was four-weeks-old, when her mother started to notice her head size was progressively and rapidly increasing. Nicole’s mother thought the head growth was normal but upon a routine checkup at a local hospital, she learned that Nicole’s symptoms were consistent with acquired hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain from a blockage due to a tumor, injury or disease. A specialist confirmed the diagnosis. To prevent further complications, Nicole urgently needs surgery to place a shunt to drain the excess CSF. Some money has been raised by family and friends, but Nicole’s mother cannot afford to pay the remaining $685 for the surgery. She has hope that her fortunes will change for the better and Nicole will receive help. “I am glad to have found a place where Nicole can be treated. My only plea is that you will help fund for her surgery as I have no means,” Says Nicole’s mother.

Romart is a 17-month-old boy from the Philippines, who is dearly loved by his parents. He enjoys playing and entertaining his mother by dancing, and he giggles a lot. Romart was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. His parents are worried for him, but they could not bring him to a doctor because their limited source of income is from collecting garbage and selling it in a small junk shop. On occasion, Romart's father works as a "sakada", a sugarcane laborer in the fields near their town to earn $3 a day. His parents just want what is best for Romart, and after surgery they hope Romart will grow up normally like other children. "We really couldn't believe that help could be given to us. At first, we were afraid that Romart needed surgery, but the doctor explained to us that this is the best way for Romart to heal. I am very thankful for your help and I pray for a successful surgery for my son," his mother shared. $1,437 will fund the hernia repair surgery that Romart needs. Let's help make it possible.

“When I grow up, I would like to become a primary school teacher,” shares Ramadhani, a happy, hard-working, 13-year-old boy who lives with his grandparents in Tanzania. He loves going to school, where he is in class three and enjoys mathematics and science. Ramadhani was born with talipes equinovarus, a condition commonly known as congenital clubfoot. His right foot is twisted out of position due to short tendons in the foot and ankle, preventing him from stepping on the sole of his right foot as he walks. Even with his deformed right foot, Ramadhani likes to run and jump around with other children. Ramadhani’s parents are small-scale farmers who grow potatoes and cassava. They look after Ramadhani and his two younger siblings as well as their parents. For many years, they have not been able to get proper treatment for their son. It is through word of mouth that Ramadhani’s grandfather heard about The Plaster House and what it does and collected enough cash to transport Ramadhani to Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre for treatment. For $1,160, Ramadhani will undergo surgery to release the tendons in his foot and ankle. Doctors will then move his foot into the proper position and place it in a cast for up to two months. Funding also covers the costs of cast changes, braces, and a four-month stay at The Plaster House for recovery and rehabilitation after surgery. After receiving care, Ramadhani will be able to properly step on his right foot and wear shoes.

"When I grow up, I want to be a doctor," says nine-year-old Ly, a second-grade student from Cambodia who enjoys reading books and doing homework. He traveled one hour with his mom to reach Watsi's medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, for treatment of his ear. Ly has had recurring infections in his left ear since he was five years old. This has caused left ear discharge and hearing loss, and he has developed a cholesteaoma—an abnormal skin growth located behind his eardrum. The tympanic membrane (eardrum) is perforated on the left side. He experiences headaches and has a hard time hearing his teacher in class. For $809, a surgeon will perform a mastoidectomy to remove the cholesteatoma and fix the perforated tympanic membrane. Funding also covers the costs of two hearing tests, one night in the hospital, one day of inpatient post-operative care, and three outpatient follow-up visits in the month following surgery. Once Ly heals, the discharge will stop, and over time, his hearing can improve. Ly's mother looks forward to a successful operation for her son. "I hope after the operation is done, my son's ear discharge will stop, and he can have good hearing and health," she shares.

Meet Daudi. He's a 42-year-old tea and coffee farmer from rural Uganda who lives with his wife, Jenifer, and their two cows. Daudi enjoys grazing his cattle in the evenings; that is a time when he has quiet, personal time to plan for his family. One recent evening, while trying to lift boiling milk off the fire, Daudi tripped and his hand dipped into the scalding liquid. Daudi sustained wounds which healed but left him with a contracture, an area of tightly constricted skin and scar tissue that limits his mobility. Burn accidents like Daudi's are common in rural areas because the kitchens are not well lit and often contain fires that are not raised or separated from the living space. Daudi has had difficulty lifting and holding things tightly since the incident, and has particular difficulty using his thumb and index fingers. He takes longer to do his daily tasks, like milking the cattle, because he now uses one hand and at times still has difficulty at that. Daudi needs a contracure release surgery in order to regain use of his hand so that he can take care of himself, his cattle, and his family. With $351, Daudi will have the operation he needs. "Words can not express how grateful I am for the support rendered to me to have my hand work again. I am looking forward to that time when am able to do my work again with ease,” Daudi says.

Ian is a neat, responsible, and composed eight-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the first born in a family of three children. A few weeks ago, his mother noticed he had a groin swelling. Ian has been feeling slight pain but could not bring himself to tell his parents of this. Further investigations at the hospital revealed that Ian has inguinal hernia, and surgery is required if he is to be well. Currently, Ian is experiencing pressure and slight pain around the area. If not treated, he is at risk of intestinal obstruction. Ian's family resides in a two roomed house in Central Kenya. Ian’s mother is a housewife while his father is a casual teacher with a menial income that cannot fund Ian’s surgical care. The family has managed to raise Ksh. 9,500 ($99 USD) for costs associated with Ian's care, but it is not enough to pay for Ian's treatment, which will cost $430 in total. Once Ian undergoes the hernia repair, It is expected he will be free from the pain and risk of intestinal obstruction. "We will appreciate any help given towards his treatment,” Ian's mother shares.

Two-year-old Luis is a previous Watsi patient who was treated for malnutrition. He's doing much better as a result of formula and supplements, but is still struggling with eating solid foods. "Our medical team thinks that he has a genetic syndrome that might be causing him to have an oral aversion, because every time he tries to eat solid food he spits it out, unable to chew," explains our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq (WK). "His development has been further delayed by his lack of solid foods, and his mother cannot afford a blender to liquify his food, so he is limited in what he can eat." Luis is still failing to meet developmental milestones. He is trying to crawl, but is not yet able to, and he can only say the words "mama" and "papa." For $1,385, we can fund a comprehensive series of tests and assessments to determine the underlying cause of Luis' developmental delays, and provide him with a subsequent treatment plan. "I just want my son to walk, and to eat like a normal child," Luis' mother shared in their pre-operative appointment with Wuqu' Kawoq's health workers. Let's help make it happen!

“I am looking forward to looking after Joan when she gets better,” shares the mother of Joan, a two-year-old girl living in Uganda. Joan has been diagnosed with severe malnutrition. Out medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, explains that "her symptoms include edema, diarrhea, and skin lesions. If left to continue, she could experience stunting and delayed development.” Joan's mother works very hard to support her family as a farm laborer. She walked 55 kilometers to bring Joan to the hospital because she couldn't afford a motorcycle taxi. In order to treat Joan’s severe malnutrition, The Kellermann Foundation will admit her to the hospital to provide nutritional supplements and treatment for any underlying health issues and infections in a safe environment. Joan's mother will also receive nutritional education to help her better feed Joan and her siblings. Joan’s mother cannot afford to pay the $375 for Joan’s treatment. With your help, we can get Joan back on her feet and doing the things that she loves, like playing with her siblings and other children in the village. “I thank the donors,” expresses Joan’s mother.

Edna is a mother of seven from Haiti. Four years ago, she lost her husband and now raises their children alone. Until recently, she managed a small business selling clothes on the street. Two years ago, Edna noticed a lump in her breast but did not seek treatment for some time. Recently, she visited our medical partner, Project Medishare, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. “She is scared of the cancer diagnosis and can’t wait to have the treatment,” they share. The cancer made her ill to the point she could no longer work, and now has no income for her family and the treatment. “She has significant physical limitations as a result of the cancer,” explains Project Medishare. “Her children are in school and cannot help her with everything and she is unable to afford her treatment.” With our support of $1,500, Edna will undergo a mastectomy to remove the cancer in her breast and chemotherapy to ensure that it does not come back. These funds will cover the necessary pre-operative care, surgical costs, chemotherapy drugs, and hospital stay. “She hopes to get back to work selling clothes and to get back to caring for her children,” Project Medishare shares. “Since her husband died, she is their sole caretaker.” Let’s help Edna get well and return to enjoying time with her family.

49-year-old Elda lives in Haiti with her two children -- a 16-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter. Our medical partner, Project Medishare (PM), explains that in 2005, Elda’s husband died in a car accident. Since then, Elda has been the sole provider for her children, supporting her family by selling motor bikes and auto parts. In 2008, Elda noticed a growing lump in her breast and sought medical advice. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. “Six years later Elda had another surgery to remove a growing mass in the same breast and receive chemotherapy,” PM continues. It’s been about one year since Elda’s surgery and PM tells us that Elda is doing well. However, in order to be completely cancer-free, Elda needs one final round of radiotherapy. $1,500 covers the cost of Elda’s radiation therapy as well as her travel arrangements to the Dominican Republic, where her treatment will take place. After years of battling cancer, this treatment will allow her to finally enjoy a healthy life. PM shares, “Elda is excited to finish with the treatment, build a small boutique, and live her life in peace by the sea.”

Meet 14-month-old Kimberly from Guatemala. “Kimberly loves to play with her doll and have fun around their front yard,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). Due to a lack of resources and education around nutrition, Kimberly is malnourished. Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world, with 49.8% of children under five in Guatemala being malnourished. Kimberly’s weight and height are far below average for her age. “Her energy is low and her immune system is weak,” shares WK. If she does not receive treatment, she will be at higher risk of future illness. “Her physical and mental development will be compensated which will affect her academic performance and ability to succeed in school." For $535, Kimberly can receive a variety of interventions to improve her health. “Kimberly will get medication and supplementation to assist her weak immune system and help her recoup some of the height and weight,” explains WK. Her mother will also receive budgeting and nutrition education. “We believe with assistance this girl has a shot at recovery and success,” shares WK. “Thank you for wanting to help my daughter grow and become more healthy and strong,” says her mother/ “God gave the gift of this child to care for and protect. You are helping me.”

Janine is a one-year-old baby girl who lives in the Philippines with her family. When she was two months old, Janine began experiencing difficulty passing stool. She was soon diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition where the large intestine causes difficulty passing stool due to missing nerve cells in the colon. “Janine is an active and playful child especially during the days when she feels well, and plays with neighboring children her age,” our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), explains. “She is able to take steps with support but is unable to stand by herself yet." Janine needs a "pull-through" surgery, a procedure which repairs anorectal malformations. Her treatment will cost $1,500. “The treatment would really have a great impact to Janine and to the whole family,” ICM continues. “With it, Janine will be free from further complications. If she becomes well, her mother will be able to do more for the whole family.” “I am asking for your help for my child to be healed and for her not to have difficulty passing stool,” Janine’s mother shares. “We are looking forward to see her grow and become a normal child.” When Janine is treated, her mother is very excited to start her own business to help support her family.