Esther is a 16-year-old girl from Uganda. She was born healthy, and met all of her early developmental milestones, until it was time for her to begin speaking. At first, her parents believed her speech was simply delayed. However, as the months passed, it became clear that Esther was unable to develop speech like other children. By the age of three, although she appeared aware of the people around her, it was evident that she could not perceive sound. Esther's parents longed to hear her speak, and sought help from several hospitals. Unfortunately, financial constraints made it impossible for them to afford the care she needed. As a result, Esther was enrolled in a special school, where she learned sign language, and adapted remarkably well. She is now preparing to enter Grade 9 when school resumes. Esther’s sister shares that she loves writing, and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Recently, Esther was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where medical evaluations confirmed significant hearing loss. Doctors recommended hearing aids that would enable her to hear, to communicate more easily, and which would significantly improve her quality of life. However, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond the family’s means. Esther’s parents rely on small-scale farming for survival in Uganda, where the family lives, while her elder sister is the primary breadwinner, selling clothes to support the household. With hearing aids, Esther would have a real opportunity to experience a fuller, more independent life, and to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to raise $1,171 so Esther can be fitted with hearing aids on December 19th. Esther’s sister said: “She loves writing and helping other children, both at school and at home. I know that being able to hear would make a big difference in her life.”

Sethika is a nine-month-old girl from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She lives with her grandparents as her mother works as a cashier, and her father is a truck deliveryman in Kampong Speu province. Sethika is an only child who enjoys watching cartoons, drinking milk, and eating rice porridge. Sethika was born with a congenital condition called an amniotic band on her right ankle. This occurs when a fibrous band of tissue from the amniotic sac wraps around a developing fetus's limb during pregnancy. This condition caused a ring-like constriction around her right ankle, which, if left untreated, could restrict blood flow, impair growth, or affect her ability to walk as she grows. On December 19th, Sethika will undergo an amniotic band release surgery. Surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the constriction and ensure proper growth and movement in her ankle. Her family has contributed $100 toward the procedure but needs additional support to cover the remaining $387. Sethika's mother shared, "I hope she can have surgery so she will be able to walk more easily as she grows up."

Janet is a 23-year-old young lady from Uganda. She is currently a student in her final year pursuing a diploma in accounting. She is the youngest of three children. Her parents work as farmers and own a four-room mud house for shelter. Janet has had a right inguinal hernia for two years. After a year, she visited a nearby health unit and was given medication, but there was no improvement in her condition. Currently, she experiences on-and-off swelling, and it is very painful when it appears. This is common whenever she walks long distances, develops a cough, or needs to squat down. On March 22nd, Janet will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) is requesting $170 to fund Janet's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Janet says, “I believe my condition is abnormal and I am worried. I pray that I may have a successful surgery and be able to take on my studies comfortably.”

Theara is a six-year-old student in primary school. She lives with her parents and her younger brother. Her father is a farmer. Theara's favorite subject at school is reading and when she is at home, she loves watching Tom and Jerry on TV. She told us her favorite food is chicken soup! Theara started to experience tonsillitis a month ago. Her mother bought medicine from a pharmacy, but it did nothing to help Theara's condition. During this time she has had difficulty breathing and swallowing and is experiencing throat pain and hoarseness. Her parents are worried that she will develop a more serious condition and that they will not be able to afford further treatment. Theara has come to Watsi's Medical Partner CSC in order to get a tonsillectomy. Once she recovers from this procedure, she will no longer experience throat pain, hoarseness, or snoring. Her mother said, "My daughter's throat pain has become very bad, and she can't eat much food. I hope that this surgery can make her throat feel better so we don't have to worry anymore. She wants to grow up strong so she can become a doctor herself."