Ateikas is a 68-year-old retired fish seller from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. She is widowed and has five sons, three daughters, and sixteen grandchildren. Ever since her husband passed away seven years ago, her children and grandchildren have looked after her. About one year ago, Ateikas developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Her impaired vision also makes her more dependent on her extended family. When Ateikas learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Ateikas should regain both her vision and independence. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Ateikas shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see more clearly, and I can help with my grandchildren at home."

Srey Tey is a playful 3-year-old from Cambodia. She lives in Svay Raing province with her parents and two older siblings. Her mother cares for the children at home, while Srey Tey's dad earns a living as a taxi driver. Srey Tey's favorite things include ice cream, cartoons, and playing with her siblings! Srey Tey's mom had a long and difficult delivery with shoulder dystocia, a condition where one or both of the baby's shoulders get stuck in the birth canal. Since birth, she noticed that Srey Tey has limited movement in her left arm. Srey Tey has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. Currently, she cannot move her left hand and has limited strength and function in her arm. Srey Tey's family brought her to our medical partner's care center for treatment. This is the only center in the country where this treatment is available. On May 11th, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she will have improved function in her arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Srey Tey's family contributed $100 to her care. Srey Tey's mother shared her hopes that, after surgery, Srey Tey will be able to move her hand more easily and start preschool.

Vedastus is a two-year-old boy and the only child of his young parents. He's a friendly boy who is currently having a hard time walking because his legs bow outwards. Vedastus' mother works at a local food joint as a cook. Her income is not much, but enables her to support and care for her son. Vedastus' father is still in college studying, which leaves Vedastus' mother as the only parent with an income. Vedastus was diagnosed with fluorosis - genu varus, where his legs bowing outwards so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Vedastus cannot walk well and he is in pain. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Vedastus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 2nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Vedastus's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Vedastus’s mother says "I am the only person working to be able to provide for our son. The father of my son is still studying and my income is not enough to care for Vedastus and afford his treatment cost. Please help us, he needs treatment for his leg because he is struggling to walk.”

Lai Houy is a cheerful, 69-year-old mother who has one son who works near the Cambodian-Thai border. Lai Houy currently lives with her niece who sells palm sugar. She enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Lai Houy developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her light sensitivity and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Lai Houy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On July 21st, doctors will perform a cataract surgery and lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, CSC is requesting $229 to help fund this procedure. Lai Houy shares her hopes to be independent again, "I hope my eye can see well after surgery so I can help my niece do housework, cook, take care of my grandchildren, and go back to visit the pagoda by myself."

Guadalupe is an one-year-old baby from Colombia. She is an only child, so she is regarded as the little princess of the family, which consists of her mother, grandma, and uncle. She is already sympathetic and friendly, and loves to play with stuffed toys and with other kids. Guadalupe has clubfoot on her right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Guadalupe's family traveled to visit our medical partner, Clínica Noel, where they can offer treatment. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on August 13th. Our medical partner is requesting $1,422 to fund Guadalupe's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to start walking and running without pain. Her mother shares a story and her hopes for Guadalupe, "I would really love to see her walk and run normally, she is not the first person with this condition in our whole family, I have a cousin who received treatment when he was 8 years old and it was really hard to see him asking why he couldn't run like the other kids."

Sokea is an 11-year-old student who is in the fifth grade. He has one brother and one sister. In his free time, he enjoys reading and playing football. His parents are construction workers. One year ago, the retina of Sokea's left eye detached, causing him partial blindness and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sokea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours with his mother seeking treatment. On June 11th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $648 procedure. Sokea shared, "I hope I can see well so I can study better in school and play with my friends."

Maxwell is a 10-month-old from Kenya. His mother shared that he's already a playful and jovial boy together with his twin. Unfortunately, she said, his curiosity accidentally caused him to get a burn on his chest, abdomen, right arm and his feet. If left untreated, he could suffer from long-term tissue damage, prolonged pain, and infections. Maxwell requires a split-thickness skin graft surgery to help heal the burns and reduce the infections. On December 3rd, Maxwell was playing with his twin brother when he pulled down a cup containing hot tea from the table. The hot beverage spilled and burned his body. He was rushed to St Joseph Hospital in their home village of Kangemi and was treated in the emergency phase, and was later referred to Watsi's Medical Partner Care Center Kijabe Hospital the additional care he needs. At Kijabe Hospital, Maxwell has had debridement and endoscopy procedures. However, he still requires skin grafting which is scheduled at the end of the week. Since admission, Maxwell has already accrued a bill that his family is working hard to raise, but they are having difficulties. They are requesting Watsi's assistance for his his skin graft surgery. Maxwell has three other siblings and his mother stays at home watching them and taking care of their daily tasks. Their family relies on their father's income for survival and upkeep. Maxwell's father is a taxi driver in Kangemi, who earns a daily allowance depending on the availability of work. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Maxwell receive treatment. On December 17th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to The surgery will reduce the chances of infection. Now, Maxwell needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Maxwell's mother says, “My baby has been in pain since the unfortunate accident occurred. I know he misses playing with his brother because they are very jovial together. We already have a huge bill that we are unable to afford. We need help with this surgery.”

Sanay is a three-month-old baby girl from Burma. She lives with her family in Mine Kan Village, Hpa-An Township, Karen State. Only her 19-year-old brother is currently working and supporting their family. He works at a chicken factory in Bangkok. Sanay was recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which has caused fluid to build up in her brain. Without immediate surgery to alleviate the intracranial pressure that the excess fluid is causing, she is at risk of developing severe, potentially fatal medical complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for Sanay, which will drain the fluid that has accumulated in her brain. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 6, and, once completed, will greatly improve Sanay's quality of life. “I want my daughter to become a nurse when she grows up,” says Sanay’s father.

Sok is a third grade student from Cambodia. He has two older sisters. He likes to play football, watch TV, and eat fried pork. He wants to be a teacher when he grows up. A year ago, Sok had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Sok experiences ear discharge and pain. It is difficult for him to hear and he is in chronic pain. Sok traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 4, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $842 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. His mother says, "I worry about my son's hearing and hope the operation is successful."

Katusiime is a child from Uganda. She is the first born of three children. She is in primary school and would like to become a doctor in the future. Four years ago, Katusiime developed an incisional hernia. If not treated, the hernia may result in intestinal tissue twisting and blocking. Fortunately, on April 11, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund Katusiime's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Her father says, "My daughter has suffered with this condition. We are worried of her health. She needs help. We are unable to pay for treatment.’’

Joseph is a student from Tanzania. He is the fourth born in a family of eight kids. Joseph’s father passed when Joseph was ten years old. He now lives with his uncle, a domestic poultry farmer. Joseph was diagnosed with genu valgus. His legs bow inward so that his knees touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he is not able to walk, especially for long distances. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Joseph. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 15. Treatment will hopefully restore Joseph's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Joseph says, “Please help me get better, I want to continue with school. I started saving money from the different jobs I do so I can go back to school but used it up on medication. When I get better I will work so hard and save to go back to school.”

Ann is a bar attendant from Kenya. She is a mother of four children. In early February, Ann was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle when they were hit from behind by a hit-and-run vehicle. She was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with femur fracture and cervical spine fracture. She is not able to sit, stand, or walk and is in a lot of pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 16, Ann will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The procedure will help her walk easily again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,451 to fund this procedure. Ann says, “I wish to be treated and leave the hospital when am much better. I still need to provide for my children."