Kanyada is a farmer from Malawi. He lives with his wife, and together with their grown children they run a small farm. Kanyada spends his days tending his land and raising goats. In his free time he likes to attend his local church and worship with his family. Since December 2017, Kanyada has been experiencing pain and urinary diffiulty. These symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. He needs to undergo a prostate resection surgery, a procedure in which surgeons will remove part of the enlarged gland. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is requesting $733 to fund Kanyada's surgery. On June 7, he will undergo prostate surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. The requested money pays for supplies, medications, and two weeks of hospital stay. Kanyada was thrilled to find out his surgery would be funded, and he is looking forward to once again being active. He says, "Thank you."

Branton is a toddler from Kenya. He has one sibling. His mother is a stay-at-home mother, and his father is a taxi driver. Branton was born healthy, but when he was one year old, his mother noticed an abnormal growth on his head. A few weeks ago, Branton was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, where an MRI was performed and surgery was recommended. If not treated, Branton is at a risk of losing vision and suffering brain damage. Fortunately, he is now scheduled to undergo surgery on May 9. His family needs help raising $1,500 to fund the procedure. “These are the worst news one could ever receive. We are optimistic though and hope for the best,” shares Branton’s mother.

Phoeun is a scrap collector from Cambodia. He has two sons, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. He likes watching news programs. One year ago, Phoeun developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Phoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 8, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $398 procedure. He says, "I am worried that I will go blind and won't be able to support my family anymore. I hope surgery will change this."

Dah is a 46-year-old woman who lives with her husband, one son, and two daughters in Karen State, Burma. Dah has been unable to work since 2015 due to her poor health. Her oldest son works as day laborer on someone else's farm and supports their family. Both of her daughters are currently studying at school. Four years ago, Dah started experiencing back pain and had difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. She went to see the doctor in a Burmese hospital, where she was diagnosed with a kidney stone. At that time, she was unable to afford the cost of treatment. Eventually, she went to Mae Tao Clinic, our medical partner's care center, for further treatment and the doctor sent her to Mae Sot Hospital for further investigation. At the hospital she was again diagnosed with a kidney stone and was told she would require surgery to remove the stone. She was referred to Burma Children Medical Fund, our medical partner, for assistance in receiving treatment. Now, Dah is scheduled for a procedure called shockwave lithotripsy on March 8. She needs help raising $1,500 to pay for this treatment. Dah said, “I want to recover quickly so I can return to work. I want to be able to support my daughters so that they can continue with their studies.”

Rahma is a child from Tanzania. She is the first born in her family. Rahma’s mother is a stay-at-home mother and her father is a public bus conductor. Rahma was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Her legs are bowed outward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, it is difficult for her to walk. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Rahma. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 9. Treatment will hopefully restore Rahma's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Rahma’s mother says, “Thank you for treating my daughter. God bless you all.”

Kenson is a 12-year-old boy from Haiti who enjoys going to school and listening to soccer games on the radio. Kenson was born with patent ductus arteriosus, a cardiac condition in which the vessel that connects the body's two major arteries, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, fails to close. In turn, oxygen-rich blood from one artery mixes with the oxygen-poor blood from the other, placing strain on Kenson's heart that often leaves him short of breath. Additionally, Kenson was also born with an aortic valve that is too narrow, further complicating his heart's ability to pump blood to his body. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,343 to cover the cost of Kenson's air transportation to his surgery, which is scheduled to take place on July 5. Once at the site of surgery, Kenson will receive the treatment that he needs and will hopefully be able to live more comfortably. "I am excited for my heart to be fixed so I can do more things without getting tired," says Kenson.

Talusha is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents, brothers, and sisters in a small coastal town in northern Haiti. She is in fourth grade and enjoys going to school, especially studying math and science. Talusha has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her sickly and weak. Talusha will fly to Cayman Islands to receive treatment. She will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will use a catheter to close the hole in her heart with a device. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is contributing $12,000 to pay for surgery. Talusha's family also needs help to fund the costs of travel, scheduled for November 3. The $1,343 bill covers her flight to the hospital. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, will also provide support to the family as they travel overseas. We are also fundraising for her [surgical prep costs](https://watsi.org/profile/abb173404d69-talusha). She says, "I am excited to get on a plane for the first time and see another country!"

Gueffenide is a student from Haiti. She lives in a river valley in central Haiti with her parents, who are both farmers, and several brothers and sisters. She enjoys going to school and would like to become a nurse. Gueffenide has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between her aorta and pulmonary artery. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her sick and short of breath. On October 5, she will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner's care center. During surgery, the surgeon will sew the hole shut. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5000 to pay for surgery. Gueffenide's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications. Her mother says, "I will pray for God's blessings on everyone who is helping my daughter."

Ann is a playful and happy three-year-old girl from Kenya. She lives in a children's orphanage. In 2015, Ann sustained burn injuries on her hand from an ash accident. She was taken to a hospital and treated for her injuries. However, now she is having difficulty playing with other children and holding objects properly, and so has been recommended for contracture release surgery. On October 5, Ann will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is asking for $1,176 in funds to cover the cost of her procedure and accompanying lab, hospital, and medicine fees. After surgery, Ann will be able to play with the other children without difficulty!

Chanthoeun is a 74-year-old farmer who is married and has five sons and two daughters. In his free time, Chanthoeun likes to listen to the news on the radio and read books about Buddhism. In May 2015, Chanthoeun noticed a mass on his right buttock, and the mass has been growing in size ever since. This mass has made it difficult for Chanthoeun to sit, and it has been causing him pain. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $220 to fund the removal of the mass, a procedure which is scheduled to take place on June 16. This amount will cover the full cost of treatment, supplies, labs, physician consultation, and a two-night hospital stay. With this treatment, Chanthoeun can hopefully return to feeling comfortable again.

Tibenda is a 44-year-old married father of two, living in Uganda. He is a farmer who cultivates food for both home consumption and for sale. About two years ago, Tibenda noticed a small swelling in his right groin. When he went to the hospital for a check-up, his swelling was diagnosed as a hernia and he was advised to have surgery. If not treated, Tibenda may suffer intestinal tissue pain. Tibenda sought out our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, for treatment. He is now scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery on June 7. The $249 to fund Tibenda's surgery covers the total cost of his operation, including a three-night hospital stay, supplies, labs, and medication. After surgery, Tibenda hopes to continue with farming.

Sophal is a 56-year-old rice and crop farmer from Cambodia. He is married with one son and two daughters. He likes to watch movies on TV and listen to the news on the radio. One year ago, Sophal developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Sophal has trouble seeing things clearly and working on his own. Fortunately, on March 22, doctors will perform a a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, Sophal will be able to see clearly again. Now, he needs help to fund this $292 procedure.