Meet four-year-old Htoo from Burma. He lives with his parents in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border. Htoo says his favorite things to do are "going to kindergarten and playing with my friends." Htoo's parents first noticed a lump on their son's throat two years ago. Doctors have now diagnosed Htoo with a congenital condition known as thyroglossal cyst. He requires surgery on his thyroid gland to treat it. Htoo was previously submitted for surgery through Watsi but doctors concluded that the cyst was too small to operate on. However, Htoo is eligible for surgery this time and will undergo a thyroidectomy procedure on November 20. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is asking for help to raise $1,500 for Htoo's surgery.

Victor is a five-year-old boy from Kenya. He likes playing with other children and also loves being in school. Although Victor was born a healthy baby boy, he was diagnosed with acquired clubfoot of his left foot about two years ago. This condition means that over time, his left foot began to curve inward until the sole of his foot is no longer able to stand flat on the ground. Because of this, he experiences pain while walking, standing, and playing. Seeking treatment through our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, Victor is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his clubfoot on July 3. His family is requesting $1,224 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. "My joy is to see my son receive treatment and advance in his studies. The help will be a great blessing to our family. May God bless Watsi for the initiative of helping those who are unable to afford for the surgery,” Victor's mother says.

Shwe is a 71-year-old man who lives with his family in Burma. Shwe’s main job is to make traditional Burmese pots, however he additionally plants vegetables for his family’s consumption. Shwe has recently been diagnosed with septic arthritis of the ankle joint and septicemia in his left leg. Two years ago his left ankle joint began to swell and he noticed an obvious ulcer. He tried to treat it by visiting traditional healers and the Hpa-an General Hospital, however his visits were to no avail. Eventually, Shwe was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital, where his diagnosis was confirmed. By having this medical condition, Shwe feels like he is creating a huge burden on his family members, especially on his son and his wife, who is experiencing health concerns of her own. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a lower leg amputation, which Shwe is scheduled to receive on June 17. This treatment will hopefully help Shwe get well again and restore his former mobility.

Shelda is a nine-year-old student who lives with her parents, grandparents, and older brother in northern Haiti. She enjoys going to school, playing with her friends, and singing in church. Shelda suffers from cardiac conditions known as mitral and aortic regurgitation, which she developed due to a rheumatic fever that she contracted several years ago. As a result, blood backs up into her heart and does not properly circulate through her body, leaving Shelda weak, short of breath, and at risk of fatal heart failure. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,343 to cover the cost of Shelda's air transportation to the Cayman Islands, where she is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on July 5. Once there, she will receive the care that she needs and will hopefully be able to live more comfortably. "I am excited for the day when Shelda can do everything she wants without getting tired and needing to rest," says Shelda’s mother.

Zion is a four-month-old baby from the Philippines. He lives with his parents, to whom he gives great joy. Zion was born with congenital cleft lip and palate, meaning that there is an opening in his lips and palate where they did not fuse completely. This makes it hard for him to feed, and puts him at risk for aspiration (inhaling food or liquid). Zion's mother says, "I really desire that my son will be cured from his condition. I am thankful that you help us in doing that. I want to see my son grow normally and not be bullied by other people." Watsi is requesting $153 to fund Zion's cleft lip repair. His surgery is scheduled for May 21.

Ma Kyi is a 15-year-old girl from Burma. She and her parents have lived in Hpa-an their whole lives. They own their own farm, where they grow rice and beans to sell. When Ma Kyi was born, she had a mass between her eyes. Her parents did not seek treatment for the mass, as it did not cause her any health problems. They also could not afford treatment. This condition has significantly impacted Ma Kyi's life. She stopped attending school five years ago because she feels self-conscious about her appearance. Since then, she has been helping her parents around the house. Recently, a friend of her mother referred the family to our medical partner's care center, Mae Tao Clinic (MTC). She told them that MTC would be able to provide treatment for Ma Kyi. Soon after arriving at the clinic, Ma Kyi began to work with our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. Ma Kyi's condition is formally known as frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele, or FEEM. Brain fluid and tissue are protruding through her skull. She will be receiving surgery to correct the FEEM on February 5. Now, her family needs help to raise $1,500 to fund this surgery. After recovery, May Kyi plans to return to school.

Juan is a 78-year-old man from Guatemala. He lives with his wife in a rural part of the country, where he has worked for decades in agriculture. Recently, Juan was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a very common and very treatable form of cancer. In its early stages, symptoms include painful urination and discomfort in the groin area. Without treatment, it spread to other parts of the body. Recently, Juan has been unable to work because of his symptoms. Doctors have scheduled a surgery on January 31 to remove the cancer. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $910 to fund his surgery. "I will fight until I'm able to get better," says Juan.

Min Htet is an 18-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Burma. Min Htet's symptoms started three years ago—he would get fevers constantly, and he had a chronic cough. In 2014, he went to the hospital and had tests done that showed he was TB negative. However, the x-ray showed a spot in his lungs, so without further investigation, they treated it as though it were TB. Although Min Htet was on regular medication, he was not getting any better. His mother tried taking him to different doctors, who prescribed various medications, but his condition did not improve. In 2017, they made a nine-hour trip to a new clinic because they could not longer pay for his treatment by themselves. Again, Min Htet had an x-ray. Doctors told him they could see the spot but could not make a diagnosis without a CT scan. Min Htet said, “My mother always has to look after me. She continues to work because it is necessary for the family income but it’s hard for her. I really want to return to school because I want to continue studying and learn about electricity because I’m very interested by it.” Watsi is requesting $414 to fund Min Htet's CT scan, which is scheduled for April 24.

Flor is a 49-year-old woman from the Philippines. She is a community health worker. She enjoys doing household chores and loves working with children. Six years ago, Flor was diagnosed with a cervical leiomyoma, a condition in which a benign tumor exists in the cervix. Because of her condition, Flor feels easily fatigued and dizzy, which affects her daily activities. Since learning about her condition, Flor has also been experiencing insomnia, as she is very worried about the future of her nephew, niece, and parents. Recently, Flor was advised to undergo surgery. Flor and her family, however, cannot afford the cost of treatment. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $1,500 to cover hospital fees, medications, and labor costs. On March 1, Flor will be receiving a hysterectomy, a surgery in which a part or all of the uterus is removed. After the surgery, Flor will finally be able to work to support her family. "When I will be well, I will look for better ways to support my family and work to support my niece and nephew's education," Flor says. "My life will serve as evidence that anything is possible if you are really determined and persevere.​ Thank you so much in advance for the help."

Ah Kyaw is a 51-year-old farmer who lives in Thailand. Escaping violent conflict, he left his home nation of Burma and found shelter in a refugee camp in 1987. He now lives in Thailand with his wife and three sons. Ah Kyaw and his two oldest sons work as agricultural day laborers, farming rice, corn, and tapioca fields. His youngest son lives in a Buddhist temple as a "temple boy," where he assists the monks with their daily chores. On average, the family income is hardly enough to cover their monthly expenses. In December 2016, Ah Kyaw was driving a farm truck, transporting two co-workers. The trucked tipped, throwing Ah Kyaw and his passengers onto the road. The truck continued to roll and ran over Ah Kyaw's left hip. His co-workers, uninjured in the accident, took Ah Kyaw to the worker tent. According to Ah Kyaw, the pain was not severe on the day of the accident. However, when he woke up the next day, it had become unbearable. He did not seek treatment, relying instead on painkillers to get through the next 20 days. Then, he met a missionary, who took him to the hospital. Watsi and our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, are asking for $1,500 to help cover a hip replacement surgery, scheduled for January 31. This procedure will allow Ah Kyaw to walk and work again. Your donation will help fund nurses, blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds, surgical equipment and staff, medication, and 30 days stay in the hospital. Ah Kyaw is eager to continue his work and provide for his family. When asked what he would like to do after his hip is fixed, he says, “I’ll just keep working with the boss.”

Chhert is a 59-year-old rice farmer who is married with two sons, two daughters, and one grandchild. He likes to watch boxing matches on TV in his spare time. Three months ago, Chhert developed a cataract in each eye, causing him to exprience loss of vision. It is difficult for him to see things clearly, recognize faces, do any work, go anywhere outside, or ride his motorbike. Chhert heard about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), from a neighbor in his village who had surgery there before. He traveled for two hours with his wife to reach CSC for treatment. When he arrived, he learned that he would need implants in each eye to correct his condition. He is scheduled to have treatment on January 31. CSC is requesting $292 to help fund this procedure. After the implants, Chhert will be able to see clearly again and will be able to go back to his normal life. Chhert says, "I hope to be able to see more clearly than now, so that I can continue my work in my rice fields and go fishing to support my family."

Musisi is a 63-year-old farmer from Uganda. Married and the father of 16 children, he says he is happiest when he is with his family. He earns a living cultivating sugarcane and maize, and he spends most of his income on his children’s education. Four years ago, Musisi developed a swelling on the right side of his abdomen. Three years later, he developed another swelling on the left side. Eating became painful, and he was unable to dig or do any heavy lifting, making his work as a farmer much more difficult. In November, Musisi visited a public hospital and was diagnosed with two hernias. In other words, part of his intestines were protruding through a gap in his abdominal wall. He was admitted as a patient but was unable to pay for surgery. Following the advice of someone at the public hospital, Mususi came to our medical partner’s care center, Holy Family Virika Hospital. “I have pain,” Musisi says, “but I am unable to pay for my treatment.” Musisi is scheduled to receive repair surgery on December 14. Our medical partner is requesting $249 to cover the cost of surgical supplies, medicine, and three nights of hospital stay. After treatment, Musisi hopes to resume farming.