Dickson is a 33-year-old man from Kenya. He is married and has five young children. He is a farmer but is not able to work now due to his health. His wife is also a small-scale farmer growing vegetables and selling them in her neighborhood. In September 2024, Dickson came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital. Dickson has end-stage renal disease. He has been treated at other hospitals but now needs further help. Dickson has been undergoing dialysis and uses a temporary catheter for access. Doctors recommend the creation of a fistula to facilitate his dialysis sessions. A fistula is a connection between a vein and an artery in the arm that enables dialysis. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Dickson and has scheduled his surgery for November 26th. He needs help to raise $1,127 to fund this procedure. Dickson says, “I would be grateful if I would get a working fistula as I have had a longstanding problem with infection. With a successful surgery, I can have my sessions more comfortably."

Natalia is a loving mother of two children aged 21 and 15, who live in Blantyre. Due to financial challenges, she relies on the support of a family member to care for her children. Natalia sells a traditional drink in her neighborhood for income, while her husband works seasonally in tobacco production and does farm work. Natalia has a passion for singing gospel songs and enjoys sharing meals of rice and beef with her family. However, for the past two months, she has been facing serious health issues, including heavy bleeding, abdominal swelling, and overwhelming fatigue. Concerned for her well-being, she sought medical attention at a local hospital, where scans revealed a diagnosis of uterine fibroids. She was then referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners In Health (PIH) Medical Center, for specialized care. At PIH, Natalia was reviewed by a gynecologist who confirmed her diagnosis and recommended a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Natalia receive treatment. On October 12th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at PIH Medical Center. Once recovered, Natalia will be able to resume her daily activities free of her symptoms. Now, Natalia needs help to fund this $1,363 procedure. Natalia says, “I look forward to regaining my health. I believe that undergoing this procedure will empower me to move forward with positivity and strength.”

Mu Lar is a 16-year-old girl from Thailand. She works as a farmer alongside her two older sisters and her parents. Mu Lar's family also raises pigs and sells them for income. During her free time, Mu Lar enjoys playing games on her phone, listening to music, and talking to her mother. In November 2023, Mu Lar started to experience headaches and dizziness accompanied by occasional vomiting. There was also a yellow discharge from her right ear. Mu Lar has been diagnosed with chronic otomastoiditis, an inflammation of the middle ear, and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The doctor planned to perform a right-modified radical mastoidectomy, a procedure to remove mastoid air cells, the eardrum, most of the middle ear structures, and the ear canal. Mu Lar sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, and is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on September 5th. Mu Lar is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Mu Lar said, "Fellow villagers told me that I might not be able to speak afterward, which worried me. However, the doctor said it was incorrect. Thank you, Watsi, for helping me get surgery. After I recover, I want to continue helping my family on the farm."

Bukhari is a seven-month-old baby boy from Kenya, the youngest of three children. His father works as a casual laborer, mainly at construction sites, while his mother is a homemaker. Bukhari was born at home with a noticeable swelling on the lower part of his back. His parents initially hoped it would lessen over time, but as the weeks went by without any change, their concern grew. After a month, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was examined and then referred to a treatment facility in Nairobi. Determined to help their son, Bukhari’s parents returned home and began raising funds to cover their journey to the recommended facility. During this time, a family friend advised them to seek help at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). After tireless efforts, the family was able to gather enough funds to bring Bukhari to BKKH for a thorough examination. Bukhari was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine doesn't properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, he faces serious risks, including potential paralysis of his lower limbs, infection, and developmental challenges. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Bukhari receive treatment. On August 5th, surgeons at BKKH will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate complications associated with the condition, allowing healthy growth and development. Now, Bukhari’s family needs help to fund this $856 procedure. Bukhari’s father says, "From the moment he was born, we have been worried about his health. We are hopeful that he receives the treatment he needs and recovers quickly."

Winnie is a playful five-year-old girl from Kenya. She is in first grade. Winnie and her younger sibling live with her grandmother as their parents had left them. Winnie's grandmother is a widow and a farmer. Winnie was born with clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes her difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Winnie has never been to a hospital for treatment due to a lack of finances. As a result, she walks with discomfort, often falls while walking, cannot put on shoes, and cannot engage well with her peers at school. Fortunately, Winnie traveled to our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on August 1st. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund Winnie's clubfoot repair. “I am looking forward to seeing my granddaughter undergo treatment. I can’t wait to see her walking well and playing with her friends. This treatment will change her life, and I am so grateful for the help. God bless you for the good work you are doing to help needy patients.” Isabella, Winnie’s grandmother, shared.

Jayden is a four-month-old infant from Haiti raised by his single mother. Jayden has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Jayden has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Jayden will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Jayden at Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on June 27th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Jayden's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Jayden will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Jayden's mother is happy for her son to have surgery and get a chance at a healthy life.

Jack Zing is a 40-year-old woman who lives with her friend in a refugee camp in Tak Province and works as a midwife at the clinic in the camp run by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). She earns a monthly income of 3,222 baht (approx. $107 USD). She additionally receives 310 baht (approx. $10 USD) per month on a cash card from the organization The Border Consortium in the camp. This income is just enough to cover their daily expenses, but not enough for savings. The camp provides free health care through the IRC, but not for the care that she needs. Since 2020, Jack Zing has been experiencing lower abdominal pain, slight bleeding, unexplained fatigue and dizziness. She was diagnosed with adenomyoma with bilateral endometriotic cysts, and was advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Jack Zing's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Jack Zing is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on June 4th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,104 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, this treatment will help relieve her symptoms, including the pain and bleeding. Jack Zing says, “I felt very sad and worried when I learnt that I needed surgery, because I couldn’t afford to pay for the treatment. When I learnt that Burma Children's Medical Fund (BCMF) and donors will support the cost of my surgery treatment, I was very happy. I would like to thank all the donors and BCMF. When I recover fully, I will continue working as a midwife at IRC and also pursue my interest in sewing."

Juley is a 16-month-old baby from Haiti. He lives with his parents who are market vendors, and his grandparents in a small village near the capital. He is a very cheerful and curious child. Juley has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Two separate holes exist in and near his heart: one between the two lower chambers of his heart, and a second between two major blood vessels next to the heart. Blood leaks through these holes, leaving him weak and short of breath. Juley will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 2nd, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew the holes closed so that blood can no longer leak through them. Another organization is contributing funds to pay for surgery. Juley's family needs help funding the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkups, and follow-up appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Juley's family overseas. Juley's mother says: "Our family will be praying for everyone who is helping our son become healthy!"

David is a 14-year-old boy from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. As his parents work on fishing boats in Thailand, David lives with his grandmother, his older sister, her husband, and their son. David has never been to school and requires full-time care from his grandmother. David was born with severe scoliosis and has never been able to stand up or walk. Due to his condition, David is also in a lot of pain. David and his family traveled three and a half hours to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, for a consultation. On March 6th, David will undergo spinal fusion surgery to straighten his bones. This procedure can relieve him of pain and prevent the condition from worsening. David and his family need your help to fund the $1,500 cost of the surgery and post-op care. David's grandmother said: "We hope he can feel better and not be in pain."

Sa Ki is a 43-year-old woman who lives with her parents and son in a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. Her parents are retired and her son is a mullah in the refugee camp. Sa Ki works hard helping others as a case worker for a community organisation. In June 2022, Sa Ki began experiencing worrying symptoms including lower abdominal pain and back pain. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy which involves the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Sa Ki's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications. Sa Ki is scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, she will no longer experience pain and she will be able to return to work without any discomfort. Sa Ki said: "When I heard that I need surgery, I started to feel worried and scared. I also worried that if I could not get proper treatment, I would not be able to look after and support my parents."

Jomhel is a 27-year-old from the Philippines. His mother, Melissa, is a solo parent seeking assistance for Jomhel who has intellectual disability. The family relies on Melissa's income through laundry and ironing services for her relatives and neighbors. They live with Melissa's father, aged 75, who is also taking medications and aging. Her sister gives her extra money allotted for the medicines and other needs of their father. Two years ago, Jomhel began to experience troubling symptoms, including bleeding, pain, and difficulty sitting and standing. He was diagnosed with thrombosed hemorrhoids and needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Jomhel receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on January 12th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove his hemorrhoids so he can live pain free. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,285 to cover the cost of Jomhel's procedure and care. Melissa shared: "Being a solo parent facing financial constraints, I do not have enough money for Jomhel's consultation, let alone a major surgery. This is a big help not just for me but also for my son and I am very grateful to all of you."

Maria is a 16-year-old girl who hails from a sizable family comprising of six siblings. Following her father’s death, they are now under the care of their single mother in Karatu, Arusha region. Despite facing challenges such as a delayed milestone condition, Maria is currently a secondary school student. Initially experiencing delays in sitting, walking, and running, as well as intellectual development, Maria spent much of her time indoors with her parents. Despite difficulty blending in with her peers, she now relishes attending school and excels in her classes. Her notable success in primary national exams paved the way for a promising secondary education. Maria’s healthcare journey began when she was three years old when her parents observed her leg twisting downward. Maria has clubfoot of right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Financial constraints prevented them from addressing her medical needs, and despite this condition, Maria discovered joy in life through participation in a choir. Recently, Maria’s family learned about our partner Kafika house and their services. Filled with hope, Maria’s mother and brother embarked on a journey, leaving the center with optimism about her foot condition. Following introductions, an assessment was done by the team there. Now the team will begin her clubfoot treatment on December 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Maria's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Maria's mobility will significantly improve and she can continue chasing big dreams. Maria says: “I hope my leg improves. Walking long distances can be exhausting, and I look forward to being able to enjoy dancing while singing in the choir.”