Samuel is a ten-year-old boy from Kenya. When he was seven months old, he developed an inguinal hernia that was eventually repaired. All seemed well until earlier this year, when Samuel began to experience painful symptoms and disrupted urinary function. Samuel's parents sought medical advice from a local clinic. They were advised to visit our medical partner's hospital, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, to see a specialist. On October 21, 2016, Samuel underwent corrective surgery. This treatment should reduce his painful symptoms. Samuel’s parents are unemployed, and they provide for the family by taking jobs in farming, construction, or laundry. They are unable to raise the $535 required for their son's surgical care. “It is the joy of every parent to have a healthy baby," says Samuel's mother. "It is devastating to watch my son suffer, and there is nothing much I can do about it. Please help fund his treatment."

Sokhon is a 69-year-old woman from Cambodia, and is married with one son. She enjoys visiting the pagoda to join in ceremonies and listening to the monks pray. She traveled five hours with her son to reach CSC for treatment. Sokhon developed a cataract in each eye two years ago. This causes her blurred vision, itchiness, and tearing. For $292, Sokhon will undergo cataract surgery in both eyes. After surgery, Sokhon will be able to see clearly again.

Jinnelen is 33-year old mother of six from the Philippines. She loves to cook and play with her kids. Her husband works as a quarry laborer, and sometimes he also sells fruits in the market to have extra income. Their income, however, is not enough for the daily needs of the family. 13 years ago, Jinnilen noticed a swelling on her neck. Over time, she began to experience nervousness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Three years ago she was diagnosed with a thyroid goiter, or enlargement of the thyroid gland, but the surgery cost was too much for her to afford. She was unable to undergo surgery. Since then, Jinnilen has prayed that she might have an opportunity to undergo surgery to remove the goiter, which has now grown very large. Fortunately, our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), found Jinnilen and told her she was eligible to receive treatment through the partnership with Watsi. $1,289 will fund the thyroidectomy she needs to fully remove her thyroid gland. Jinnilen is “so excited and happy for the favor given to her,” ICM shares. “I want to be with my children and husband,” she shares. “I want to give my best for them. After the treatment I will be a productive wife. I will help my husband to make income for our family, I am so excited for my treatment. Thank you so much for helping me.”

Channy is a 33-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. She is one of nine children and enjoys cooking and helping her parents on the farm in her free time. "Channy began having ear discharge and hearing loss when she was one year old," our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), reports. "Over time this has caused her hearing loss, tinnitus, and a perforation of the tympanic membrane on both sides." Her condition is also known as a ruptured eardrum. Channy describes the significant discomfort that her ruptured eardrums have caused. "I am unhappy because I have ear discharge every day," she shares, "it makes it hard for me to hear and talk with other people." Channy travelled two hours with her father and brother to reach CSC for proper medical treatment. For $399, doctors at CSC will perform a myringoplasty on her left ear in order to close the perforation in her eardrum. "After a myringoplasty, Channy's discharge will stop and her hearing will improve," CSC shares. With proper treatment Channy will be able to live her life without constant pain and discomfort, and can return home from CSC healthy.