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."

Kyaw Yin is a 28-year-old man from Burma. He moved to Thailand in search of job opportunities to support his family. He previously worked in a factory, earning a modest income that helped cover his living expenses and allowed him to send financial support back home. Kyaw Yin was born with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. Due to this condition, he experiences fatigue during exertion and is unable to lift or carry heavy objects. He has recently stopped working to focus on his treatment and will undergo surgery to close the ductus arteriosus. After surgery, he hopes to return to work and eventually open a phone repair shop. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Kyaw Yin receive heart surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 7th and, once completed, is expected to improve his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. Kyaw Yin needs help raising $1,500 to fund his procedure and care. Kyaw Yin said, “Thanks to the donors for providing me with financial support. Without your help, I would face serious financial difficulties, as I cannot afford the surgery cost. Thank you so much for helping me.”

Tibeyalirwa is a 62-year-old father of eight children from Uganda. He and his wife depend on farming for their livelihood, growing food mainly for home consumption and selling off any surplus to meet their basic needs. Ten years ago, Tibeyalirwa developed two swellings in his inguinal region. He sought treatment at a nearby medical center, and underwent surgery. However, two years ago, the swelling recurred on the left side, accompanied by significant pain. Tibeyalirwa has been diagnosed with inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, on March 10th, Tibeyalirwa has been scheduled for hernia repair surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Tibeyalirwa's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Tibeyalirwa says, "I hope to be relieved of the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer."

Alisse is a three-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives in southwestern Bolivia with her mom and dad, who both work in a small convenience store. Her parents noticed she was not growing properly and frequently became sick, and took her to the local doctor, who discovered a heart murmur; she was then referred to La Paz to see the cardiologists there. Alisse has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Alisse's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. On July 22nd, Alisse 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. Alisse'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. Alisse's father shared, "We just pray our little girl can have a successful surgery; we came from far away seeking help."

Rachel is an active and social 12-year-old girl from Kenya. Despite her challenges, she remains hopeful and optimistic about her future. Rachel is currently in Grade 7, but has paused her studies due to her medical condition. Two days after Rachel was born, her mother noticed that Rachel's head was enlarging and that her eyes appeared sunken. Rachel was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Rachel underwent shunt insertion surgery to drain the excess fluid, but the shunt failed within days. Rachel and her mother then journeyed 130 kilometers to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. There, Rachel underwent a successful shunt revision surgery, and her mother’s joy was beyond words. They returned home, and life improved significantly. Unfortunately, hydrocephalus shunts can become blocked over time, making revision surgeries necessary. Rachel has had two more surgeries at three and seven years of age. She now requires another shunt revision surgery, so that she can resume her daily activities like other children her age. Without surgery, Rachel will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Rachel that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 13th and will drain the excess fluid from Rachel's brain. Rachel shares, "I am in pain, I haven't been able to go to school. I want to get better so that I can continue learning. I look forward to leaving the hospital feeling better so that I can go home, play with my siblings, and attend school."

Ronald is 36 years old and a fisherman from the Philippines. Aside from fishing, he also engages in construction work when he can, so that he can have additional income to support his parents, wife, and their child. Since he was 10 years old, Ronald has had an inguinal hernia. He feels pain whenever he lifts heavy objects, which is required in his job. Enduring this condition for years and seeing him struggle with pain while fishing makes his family very worried. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 29th, Ronald will undergo hernia repair surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,121 to fund his procedure and care. Ronald shared, "I will be happy if I will be treated so I can go back to my work at sea. To everyone who will help me, thank you very much!"