Sophan is a 54-year-old government worker from Cambodia. He loves to read text books and watch TV, especially boxing channels. He has had severe pain in his left hip for over a year, and he is now limping. He has difficulty walking. He can no longer work. His wife is worried about his pain. Fortunately, Sophan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Sophan of his pain and allow him to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for January 9, and Sophan needs help raising $1,025 to pay for this procedure. He says, "After surgery, I hope I can walk pain-free."

Lasford is a farmer from Malawi. Lasford runs a small farm with his wife and raises goats to supplement the family income. In his free time he likes to talk with his wife and his children. Since August 2017, Lasford has been experiencing pain and urinary difficulty. 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 Lasford's surgery. On October 17, 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. Lasford was thrilled to find out his surgery would be funded He says, "Thank you for your support!"

Kyu is a 43-year-old woman from Burma. She works as a farmer with her two sisters. In her free time, Kyu enjoys going to the temple and practicing meditation. Since 2015, Kyu has been experiencing severe pelvic pain and difficulty walking. She has been diagnosed with a myoma in her uterus and advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Kyu's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Kyu is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on November 15. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, Kyu hopes she can resume her work and contribute to her family’s income.

Lek is a 14-year-old boy who lives with his uncle and two siblings in rural Cambodia. He helps his uncle collect beans to sell in the market in his spare time, and hopes to one day become a lawyer. Lek was born with scoliosis, which is progressing with age, making it difficult for him to sit in school for long periods and causing a lot of discomfort. Lek and his family visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and the doctors have recommended Lek undergo surgery. Surgery can help correct the position of his spine, and prevent further worsening of the condition. His surgery is scheduled for October 9. The spinal surgery will cost $1,500, which Lek and his family do not have. Therefore, they are appealing to Watsi for financial assistance. After surgery, Lek will be on the road to recovery. He will hopefully be able to go back to school and continue his education. "I hope my nephew can get the help he needs to feel better," says his uncle.

Victoria is a 53-year-old farmer and single mother of two from Kenya. In March, Victoria injured her right leg, and has not been able to walk normally since. She was found to have a fracture in her right femur and surgery was recommended to ensure it heals properly. Victoria is scheduled to undergo fracture repair surgery on July 4. Although she is able to contribute $260 to the cost of her medical bills, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,451 to cover the rest of her expenses. After her recovery, Victoria will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. “After this surgery, I would like to heal and continue to provide for my children," she says.

Komugisha is a 37-year-old mother of eight children who are all currently in school. She works as a small scale farmer with her husband to support her family. Last year, Komugisha developed a swollen mass on her neck, which has recently started to affect her speech and singing. Komugisha has now been diagnosed with a multinodular goiter (abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland). Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, has arranged for Komugisha to undergo a thyroidectomy on June 13. Komugisha needs our help to pay for her $240 medical bill. "I hope to be relieved from the symptoms I have, and I thank Watsi for helping me," says Komugisha.

Reth is a 76-year-old homemaker from Cambodia. She is married and has three sons, five daughters, and 20 grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys watching TV, listening to monks pray, and looking after her grandchildren. About two years ago, Reth developed cataracts in both eyea that have caused blurred vision and tearing. It is difficult for Reth to see things clearly. As a result, she cannot work and worries about how her vision might deteriorate further in the future. Reth learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), from her neighbor. She traveled two hours with her niece to reach CSC for treatment. Reth is scheduled to undergo a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens implant on February 22. CSC is requesting $292 to fund the surgery. After the procedure, Reth will be able to see clearly again.

Oeun is a 54-year-old farmer from Cambodia who is married with three sons and two daughters. In her free time, she likes to cook and fish in the river near her home. On October 31, 2016, Oeun fell off a motorbike. Her right forearm was run over, causing a fracture. She went to two Khmer traditional healers for treatment, but her symptoms did not improve. Oeun has been unable to use her arm since the accident, and she is in pain. Oeun learned about Watsi's medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), from a relative who went to CSC's affiliated hospital, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Oeun and her daughter traveled for six hours to reach CSC for evaluation and treatment. On April 26, surgeons at CSC will perform an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure to reposition and set her broken arm. This will enable healing and allow her to feel comfortable again. CSC requests $411 to pay for the operation, two weeks of hospital care (including physiotherapy), and X-rays. Let's help fund surgery for Oeun!

Thea is a ten-year-old girl from Cambodia in the second grade. She has seven siblings. Thea developed a skin growth in her left ear that causes her discomfort, hearing loss, and tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ear). It is difficult for Thea to hear, and she often misses school. On February 16, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a mastoidectomy procedure in Thea's left ear. They will remove the skin growth. This will heal her of her symptoms and improve her hearing. CSC is requesting $842 to fund the procedure.

Silvestre is a 59-year-old man. He lives in rural Guatemala and works as a pastor. He loves serving his congregation. Silvestre has a hernia, which occurs when an internal organ protrudes through the abdominal muscles. He is often uncomfortable and in pain, limiting his ability to work. Without treatment, his hernia will likely grow, and complications could arise. Surgery for hernias is very effective and often accomplished without even an overnight stay in the hospital. Repair surgery will allow Silvestre to live without pain and to be present for his congregation and family. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is requesting $400 to fund this treatment. Silvestre will undergo surgery on February 9. Silvestre says, "I am happy that this is operable, and that I can leave this thing that has been bothering me for good. If everything goes well, I will keep working in the church and supporting my family."

Jemar is a 13-month-old baby who loves to dance and play with his mother. He is the firstborn child of his parents, and he lives with his parents and his grandparents in a house in the Philippines. Jemar has been diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. Malnutrition threatens his growth and development and could even be fatal if not addressed. Fortunately, he will begin $268 malnutrition treatment on February 22. Jemar will be treated by International Care Ministries (ICM), a Watsi medical partner. One out of five children under five in ICM communities is either severely or moderately malnourished. Worldwide, poor nutrition is associated with nearly half of all deaths in young children. In remote communities and urban slums of the Philippines, the lack of clean water and unclean environments add risk to potentially fatal childhood diseases. ICM’s home-based feeding program provides nutrient-enriched food packs to ensure malnourished children get additional food to regain normal weight and achieve optimum physical and mental development. After identifying a child as malnourished, staff and community volunteers make weekly visits to monitor this child’s progress. To help sustain the health of the child, ICM’s professional staff educate the mother, guardian, or other family members about proper nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and organic vegetable gardening. Jemar's mother hopes that he will finish school and become a policeman.

Jose is a one-year-old baby who loves to play and babble with others. His mother passed away from tuberculosis, so he lives with his aunts. Jose is experiencing symptoms of malnutrition. He has little energy, and he gets sick more often than other children. He is at an increased risk for stunted growth, low IQ, and chronic disease. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also highly treatable. On January 12, Jose will begin treatment for his condition. He will undergo growth monitoring and nutrient supplementation. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is asking for $437 to fund this treatment. "We want to thank you for the support for my nephew to grow well," says Jose's aunt. "We want to see him grow healthy and, when he is big, be a person who studies and overcomes obstacles in life."