Htwe is a 61-year-old man living with his wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece, in a refugee camp in Thailand. His wife and his brother-in-law are day laborers, while his sister-in-law is a homemaker. His niece is a student. Htwe is currently unemployed. Since 2021, Htwe has lived with an incarcerated inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him discomfort when he walks and pain. It is because of his condition that Htwe has been unable to work. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Htwe's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled for October 12th at Mae Sot General Hospital. Once he has recovered, Htwe's symptoms should finally be resolved, allowing him to return to work, and to a more comfortable life. Htwe said: "I want to recover so that I can find work to make money for my family. Now we have a hard time trying to make ends meet, as we do not have a regular income. I am the only one that eats without work. Thank you to all the kind people who are supporting my costs."

Flora is a single mother of a baby boy aged 1.5 years. She is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who found herself in Malawi in the year 2022 in search of her sister Esperance. Flora grew up in her sister’s house since she lost all her parents through war. She shared that they got separated in 2016 during a war where Esperance's husband was killed and the family all scattered. Esperance, the sister, found herself in a refugee camp in Malawi in 2016 where Flora was able to trace her 6 years later. They both now run a saloon business which earns them a little income that helps to meet their needs. Flora was doing well until her recent pregnancy. During one of her antenatal clinics that was done at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), she was noted to have uterine fibroids through abdominal ultrasound scanning. She had a successful caesarian section in June 2022. However, since the birth of her child, Flora has been experiencing difficult symptoms leading to frequent blood transfusions due to anemia. Flora is weak at the moment and has been seeking medical attention frequently. On January 17th this year, Flora was taken back to KCH due a dangerous low blood level. She received three pints of whole blood, recovered, and was discharged home. On January 31st, she was seen by the gynecologist at KCH who recommended a hysterectomy but due to the long list at KCH, she is not able to be seen for many months. The gynecologist referred her to our medical partner's care center PIH for urgent attention due to her condition. Her sister brought her to PIH where the surgeon confirmed her diagnosis and the need for a total abdominal hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, including the cervix. Flora was then referred to the Watsi program due to her financial status. Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in a woman's uterus. Fibroids might become quite large leading to severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. If left untreated, fibroids continue to grow, both in size and number worsening the symptoms. The heavy bleeding may become worse causing anemia which may be fatal. Flora needs help raising $1,363 to fund her hysterectomy surgery scheduled for February 3rd. After the surgery, it is expected that Flora will be able to live her normal life, and continue taking care of her baby as she works hand-in-hand with her sister. Flora Said, “Kindly help me to get better. I have already come through a lot in my life."

Meet Pisey, a 35-year-old woman who is happily married and has a son currently studying in the sixth grade. Both she and her husband are dedicated construction workers, spending long hours working under the sun. Apart from her work, Pisey finds joy in preparing delicious meals for her beloved family at home. For several years, Pisey has had nasal congestion; this has resulted in chronic headaches, pain, fatigue, and frequent infections. She visited the local provincial hospital, where she was given medication, but it has not improved. Her family is financially burdened when she cannot work due to her illness, and she is not paid when she does not work. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. Surgeons have diagnosed Pisey with a deviated septum that is blocking her nose and affecting airflow. A deviated septum occurs when the septum bends enough in one direction to become crooked. This can make breathing difficult. On July 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a septoplasty to relieve her pain and help her live and work comfortably again. Now, she needs your help raising $333 to fund this treatment. The cost will cover hospitalization, medications, supplies, and post-operative care. Pisey said:"I hope to breathe better and sleep well after surgery. I want to care for my son and work so he will stay in school."

Anne is a 13-day-old baby from Haiti. She is loved deeply by her parents and big brother. Anne has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Anne has been experiencing an increased head circumference. Without treatment, Anne will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the cost of hydrocephalus treatment for Anne at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only hospital in the country where this care is currently available. The procedure is schedule to take place on May 30th. This critical treatment will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Anne's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life as she grows. With proper treatment, Anne will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Anne's family is hopeful that this early intervention will allow her to develop into a healthy young girl!

Sophal is a 56-year-old farm manager from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal province with his wife, daughter, and toddler grandson. His wife stays home to care for the house and their grandson, and his daughter is a factory worker. At home, he has a small vegetable farm to grow vegetables that supplement their diets. Twenty years ago, Sophal was in a motorbike accident and fractured his femur. At a government hospital, he had an open reduction and external fixation procedure. After the pins of the external fixation device were removed, he experienced a small infection. This infection has gotten worse since he injured the same femur again several years ago. He has visited a traditional Khmer healer, but the infection has remained. He suffers from pain and swelling. The abscess from the former pin site still oozes and he has difficulty walking or working. When Sophal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. On April 28th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound. Now, Sophal needs help to fund this $324 procedure. Sophal said: "I hope after surgery, my leg wound will heal and the pain will stop."

Jasibe, who is only four months old, lives with her mother, grandparents and three older siblings in the mountains above La Paz, Bolivia. Jasibe was born with a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart, and a leak between two of the major blood vessels near her heart. As a result, blood doesn't flow normally through her body, and she struggles to breathe and to gain weight. Fortunately, our medical partner is here to help. On April 5th, doctors at Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría will perform surgery, and repair both of these defects, so that blood can flow normally through Jasibe's body. Now she and her family need your help to raise $1,500 for this life changing procedure. Jasibe's mother said: "Our family is praying that after this surgery our daughter will become healthy and will be able to gain weight!"

In 2018, Jerry noticed a palpable mass under his jaw that kept increasing in size. Although he sought medical attention, Jerry and his family were unable to support his continued need for medications and checkups. Over time, the mass kept growing, causing swelling in his neck. Due to his condition, Jerry was unable to receive job orders and support his family. This has affected his self-esteem and confidence in socializing with other people. Fortunately, a few months ago Jerry was referred by his friend to our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Doctors assessed Jerry and diagnosed him with a submandibular gland tumor. This condition usually presents as a painless neck mass but may progress into cancer if not treated immediately. World Surgical Foundation Philippines is helping Jerry access the care he needs and is asking for your help to fund his $1,479 procedure on March 11th. Jerry shared, "I’ve been praying to the Lord to heal my condition. Gladly, he sent you as an answer to my prayers. I may not be able to return the favor, but I’ll continuously pray that the Lord bless you more. Thank you so much, WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for helping me!”

Saruni is a 10-year-old girl from Tanzania. She comes from a large culturally polygamous family with over twenty siblings. Her father is a cattle breeder and farmer who does not earn much from the livelihood. Due to this, Saruni was forced to drop out of school two years ago because her school fees could not be paid. She started working when she was very young as a house manager in people's houses. She has grown to be a very responsible girl. In early 2022, while Saruni was preparing tea for the employer, she tripped over while carrying a pot with hot tea, burning her left arm. She was taken to a military hospital for treatment where she received treatment for her wounds that took months for them to heal. Burn scar contractures have now developed, tightening the skin around her burn. Now she finds it difficult to straighten her arm or carry a load that requires two capable hands. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Saruni receive treatment. On March 2nd, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to treat the damaged skin around her elbow. This will increase the extension of her elbow and will reduce the pain she feels when she tries to use her arm. Her father can’t afford to pay for the treatment and he is asking for help to fund this $639 procedure. Saruni says, “I am happy that I am going to get treatment and my arm will be better.”

Elysee is a 26-year-old farmer. He resides with his parents and several other relatives on a small farm in the mountains of central Haiti. Elysee lives with a double outlet right ventricle. This means that Elysee's aorta and pulmonary artery do not connect to the usual places in the heart. This condition, which is present from birth, can lead to numerous heart problems, making it rare for someone with this condition to live to adulthood. While Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital are contributing $10,000 to fund corrective cardiac surgery for Elysee on February 28th, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to fund the costs of Elysee's pre-surgical prep; lab tests; medicines and follow up appointments. The money is also needed to support the travel costs for the social workers from Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Elysee and his family on their trip to the United States. Elysee said: "I am excited to finally be healthy for the first time in my life!"

Manin is an eight-year-old student in grade three. She and her family live in Kampong Cham province. Her father is a driver, and her mother stays home to care for the children, including her younger brother and sister. In school, her favorite subjects are Khmer literature and mathematics. At home, she likes to eat her mother's fried pork and soup, and ride her bicycle around the village. When Manin is older, she would like to be a nurse. For the past four years, Manin has been experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Her mother said she has had throat problems since she was a small child, accompanied by infections and high fevers. In the last few years, Manin has lost her appetite because of difficulty swallowing and it is hard for her to breathe at night. Manin was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Manin receive a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, which is scheduled to take place on January 24th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Manin of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Manin's family needs help raising $265 to fund her procedure and care. Manin's mother said: "We hope Manin will no longer have infections. She can swallow without pain, eat better, and not take so much medicine."

Hillary is a cool, caring 39-year-old man from Kenya. He is a middle child and lives at home with his parents and younger brother. Hillary experiences epilepsy and cannot talk or work due to his condition. His elderly parents are retired, and his brother practices small-scale farming and works labor jobs in the neighborhood to help earn a living for his family. Hillary recently fell from his bed and injured his arm and hand. He visited a nearby government facility and was diagnosed with a displaced fracture in his left humerus and received a splint. As Hillary is still experiencing pain, swelling, and discomfort in his arm, his family brought him to our medical partner's care center. Upon review, the doctor advised that Hillary needs surgery since the fracture is too displaced to heal with a splint. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On May 16th, Hillary will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $1,145 to fund this procedure. Hillary's brother says, "My brother has had a lot of challenges in his life, and when I see him crying with pain, I feel hurt. I am so hopeful that he will get treatment and that he will live comfortably once again. Kindly help him."

Sreang is a widowed, 69-year-old retired rice farmer. She is from Kandal province, and has two sons, two daughters, and twelve grandchildren. Sreang's husband passed away forty years ago and since then, she has worked hard to look after her family as a single mom. Currently, she lives with her youngest daughter, who sells vegetables in front of her home. In 2002, Sreang developed a pterygium in her left eye, which causes her blurry vision, itchiness, and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. Sreang's visual impairments make it difficult for her to go about her life safely and independently. Sreang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought their help. Thanks to CSC, on January 5th, Sreang will undergo a surgical procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the surface of her cornea, to be replaced with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure - including medications, supplies and inpatient care - is $225, and Sreang is looking to you to help cover these costs. Sreang said: "I hope I will see again, and my eye will feel better."