Soeu is a 64-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She is a wife, mother of two sons and three daughters, and grandmother of 10 grandchildren. In her free time, she likes to listen to the monks pray at the pagoda. About five years ago, Soeu developed a cataract in each eye, blurring and clouding her vision and causing pain and light sensitivity. It is difficult for her to recognize faces, work, or go anywhere by herself. Soeu knew of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), because her husband had had surgery there before. She traveled four hours with her husband to reach CSC for treatment. On July 18, Soeu will undergo small incision cataract surgery, in which doctors will replace her natural cataract-clouded lenses with synthetic lenses, allowing her to see clearly again. Watsi is asking for $398 to fund the operation. Your donation will help pay for eye surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, surgical supplies, and four nights of hospital stay.

“Cynthia is just 12-days-old and is suffering from anorectal malformation,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. “Cynthia is missing an anal opening and therefore cannot pass stool normally. Cynthia presently passes stool through her vagina. The opening is prone to infection and occasional leakages can occur and cause skin scarring and general irritation.” Cynthia lives with her mother, father, and six-year-old sibling in Kenya. “The father is a plumber who earns an average of $6 per day and the mother is a stay-at-home mother,” AMHF explains. “They reside in a two-room rental house and the parents own no land. With the little income Cynthia’s father gets, they are not able to raise funds required for her surgery.” An anorectoplasty for Cynthia costs $715. After the surgery is performed, AMHF expects “that Cynthia will be able to relieve herself normally, greatly minimizing damage to the surrounding anatomical structures. She will no longer be prone to infection, leakage, or irritation.” “We are glad we’ve finally found a place where Cynthia could be treated,” her mother shares. “We hope to get the support we need for her treatment.”

Stephen is an adorable three-year-old boy from Kenya. He was born with hypospadia, a common birth defect that prevents him from passing urine properly. His mother is concerned that other children will treat him poorly because of his condition, so she has chosen not to send him to school. It is likely that as he grows older his condition will affect Stephen’s self-esteem, and if left untreated increase his risk for cancer. Stephen is the only child to his single mother, who works as a maid to support him. She would love to see her son happy and grow like other children, but she cannot afford his treatment. For $745, we can fund Stephen’s surgery so he can grow up and develop normally without fear of social ostracism or infection!

Eunice is thrilled to be expecting her first child. She and her husband are farmers in Kenya where they harvest maize, beans, and other vegetables for sale at a local market. They work long days to support themselves and their family. Eunice has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and uncomfortable leg swelling during her pregnancy. This pain worsens if she does not have the opportunity to sit down frequently, which makes working in the fields difficult. Eunice has had to stay home from work to rest which has put a financial strain on both her and her family. She is hoping for a safe delivery and quick recovery but cannot afford the cost of giving birth in a health facility. For $215, Eunice will give birth in a local health facility under the supervision of qualified clinicians. This fee will include the cost of any additional advanced care, should Eunice or her baby need it, during and after delivery.

Phearum worked as an electrician until he dislocated his hip and broke his femur in a motorbike accident. Now, he cannot work, walk or even stand-up. Phearum lives with his young son in a rural village that is two hours from a medical facility. He dreams of one day opening his own small business to support his family. For $350, we can fund surgery and follow-up physical therapy for Phearum so that he can care for his son and pursue his dreams of business ownership!