Meet Bunly, a 68-year-old man from Cambodia. Bunly is married with three sons, three daughters, and 14 grandchildren. He enjoys visiting the pagoda and listening to the monks pray. He also enjoys reading Buddhist texts. One year ago, Bunly developed mature cataracts in each eye. A cataract occurs when a thin, cloudy layer forms over the eye’s lens. "This causes him blurred vision, discharge, tearing, and fear of bright lights. It is hard for him to see clearly, do work, or go anywhere outside," CSC explains. After learning about CSC, Bunly and his wife travelled three hours to visit their clinic. They learned that a simple surgical procedure may restore Bunly’s sight. With $225, Bunly will undergo cataract surgery, during which the cloudy lenses over his eyes will be removed and replaced with clear artificial implants, allowing him to see again clearly after his operation.

In December 2015, Maung Shwe was walking on a dirt road when an out-of-control motorbike crashed into him and fractured his leg. He sustained several flesh wounds that healed in the subsequent weeks. He first sought treatment on the day of the incident with a traditional healer but this was ineffective. Next, he visited the local village health worker who could only provide him with injections to relieve his pain temporarily. The care provided by the health worker cost him a lot of money. Treatment at a hospital would have been too costly for him. He has never sought out treatment at a Burmese hospital but heard they are expensive. Maung Shwe’s nephew works for Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) and he encouraged his uncle to visit. In March 2016, he borrowed a mount of money from his friend for food and transportation so he and his daughter could make the trip to Mae Sot. Maung Shwe is a 62-year-old man who has always lived in a village in Karen State, Burma. He is a retired farmer and currently lives with his daughter and son-in-law. His daughter used to be a domestic worker in Bangkok and his son-in-law is a subsistence farmer. They do not generate an income, but when his family needs money, they sell their leftover rice yield or their chickens and pigs. Maung Shwe's current symptoms include pain upon movement and the inability to walk. His daughter had to quit working as a domestic worker in Bangkok in order to care for him. She assists him with tasks like helping him walk, escorting him to bathroom, and cooking for him. There are no wheelchairs in his village, so his daughter must tend to him at all times For $1,500, Maung Shwe will receive the operation he needs to treat his fracture permanently. This cost includes surgery, casting, and rehabilitation. Following surgery, Maung Shwe should no longer suffer from pain upon movement, and he should be able to walk again.

Leydi is a six-month-old girl living with her parents and six siblings in Guatemala. “When Leydi's was three months old, her mother was hospitalized for a severe infection, and was given powerful antibiotics,” explains our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq (WK). “Luckily, her mother is now okay, but it made her unable to produce breast milk for Leydi.” Because of this, the family has had to feed her on formula, which is very expensive in Guatemala. They have watered down the one tin of formula they were able to afford in order to make it last as long as possible, but that supply ran out a month ago. Missing the crucial nutrients that infants of Leydi’s age need to get from milk can be life-threatening. “Leydi is now dangerously small, and she has been getting fevers and diarrhea often, which are life-threatening to her already weak body,” adds WK. Fortunately, Leydi’s condition is not irreversible. She can recover from her three months of malnourishment if she is put on a nutritional recovery plan. For $1,016, WK will provide Leydi comprehensive treatment, including consultations with a nutritionist, formula, and extra micronutrients that will bring Leydi back up to speed. “My daughter's health worries me a lot,” Leydi’s mother says. “I want her to stop getting sick so often. I appreciate the support that you are going to give my daughter. I know that with this help she will get better."

Meet Ian, a five-year-old boy from Kenya, loved by both his parents and his grandmother. Along with his entire family, Ian lives in a single-room rented house near the construction site where his father works. Five months ago, Ian’s grandmother noticed a structural abnormality with his urethral orifice placement. After several consultations with a physician, Ian was diagnosed with proximal hypospadias, a condition that leaves him prone to urinary tract infections and possible decreased fertility. "Passing urine is difficult for him and this draws him away from his friends who may notice," explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Two separate surgeries are required for a hypospadias repair. The first surgery involves a surgeon removing a part of the foreskin to create an extension for the urethra. A catheter may be inserted to help maintain the urethra’s new shape. The second surgery includes removal of the catheter and medical follow-up. Ian had the first surgery after his family saved for years to pay for the procedure, but they are unable to afford the second treatment. With $655, Ian can finally receive the second stage repair surgery after which he will be able to urinate normally. With this specialized medical care, Ian’s father hopes, “God’s grace is sufficient. I pray that He sees my son through this.”

Ismail, a one-year-old baby boy, lives with his parents in Tanzania. Last July, Ismail received Watsi funding to treat hydrocephalus, a rare neurological condition. Having recovered from his life-saving brain surgery, Ismail now needs reconstructive surgery to allow him to live more comfortably. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), explains that due to an imperforate anus, Ismail is unable to normally pass stool. AMHF states that Ismail currently has a colostomy to help relieve some of his symptoms. However, this is a not a long-term solution to Ismail’s condition, prompting the need for additional surgery. For $1,500, Ismail will undergo an operation to allow him to pass stool normally. To support his recovery, Ismail will also spend two weeks at Plaster House--a specialized surgical rehabilitation centre. AMHF informs us that with the proposed operation, Ismail will have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy, active childhood. “It will be much easier to care for him as he continues to grow," Ismail's mother shares. "I hope he will be comfortable interacting with other children.”

Lai is a 26-year-old fisherman from Cambodia. He is married and has a son. “When he is not working as a fisherman he enjoys reading Thai books that have been translated to Khmer, and listening to music, especially romantic songs,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Last year, Lai was in a serious car accident while on his motorcycle, and fractured his right tibia. He received treatment at the time, but it did not improve his broken leg. Now, the area is swollen and the injury has made him immobile. “It is difficult for me to walk without pain,” Lai tells us. To correctly repair the break, Lai needs to have the fracture reset. In a procedure called an “open reduction internal fixation,” doctors will put the bone back into its proper place and will secure its placement with plates and screws. For $405, Lai will have his leg properly treated. These funds will cover surgical costs, medication, his hospital stay, and physiotherapy to ensure the leg heals properly. With this care, Lai will be able to walk pain-free. He can regain his independence and get back to his regular activities. Lai is eager to receive the operation. “I hope after surgery I can walk easily and work to support my family,” he shares.

Meet 20-month-old Sherlin from Guatemala. “Sherlin is a sweet little girl who loves to share. She imitates her mother's singing with babbles as her mother does household chores and likes to watch her do dishes,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Her mother works weaving textiles to sell and support her family. The family is very much a little unit – happy and extremely close.” Sherlin has acute malnutrition and has been consistently ill for months. “She currently has diarrhea and a cough. Her mother has taken her baby to the doctor many times but was never given medication that was effective and could not always afford the medications prescribed,” reports WK. “If intervention does not occur, Sherlin’s immune system will continue to weaken and her illness will worsen,” continues WK. “She is already at risk of pneumonia amongst other potential acute illnesses, and our team worries that if she does not get the medication and supplementation necessary, she will be at risk of dehydration and its potentially lethal effects.” With $535, Sherlin can receive comprehensive treatment for malnutrition. This includes growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and de-worming medication that will allow her to increase overall caloric intake, overcome diarrhea, and recoup her height and weight. Her parents will receive nutrition education, allowing them to better care for Sherlin as she grows. “Intervention now will prevent the future devastating effects of malnutrition and give Sherlin the chance to live a healthy, productive life,” says WK. “Thank God you want to help us," shares Sherlin's mother. "May the lord bless you and your institution.”

Meet Byensi, a 47-year-old widow living in Uganda with her five children. Three years ago, a painful swelling developed in her neck, accompanied by palpitations. Today, Byensi feels severe pain around the swelling, and her arms get paralyzed at night, often giving her sleepless nights. Byensi’s condition is called a goiter; it is when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, commonly due to iodine deficiency. If she does not receive treatment, she may develop cancer. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), $170 will fund a thyroidectomy, an operation where Byensi’s thyroid gland will be removed. “We expect that after a thyroidectomy, Byensi will recover fully,” says AMHF. “She will be able to look after her children." Byensi herself looks forward to the operation. “My children need me and they are still young,” she says. “I hope I get well so that I can take care of them.” Let’s help make that happen!

Meet Moses, a sweet three-year-old boy from Kenya, who was born with a left undescended testis. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), introduces Moses as “the last born in a family of two children. He lives with his parents and elder sister in a two-room house at his grandparents’ home. Moses’ parents inherited an acre of land where they practice mixed crop farming. Due to delayed rainfall in the region, their crops have not been doing well. They have no other source of income, so raising funds to help support Moses’ treatment has been an uphill task.” When Moses was born, his left testis was absent from the scrotal sac, which is abnormal for baby boys. It remains in his abdomen, thus increasing his risk for testicular cancer, hernia, infertility, and more. For $540, Moses will undergo a procedure in which an incision is made and the testis is brought down into the scrotum. This highly effective surgery will protect Moses from the many health risks that an undescended testis poses, and will also allow him to “have a normal and healthy life." In many ways, this treatment will protect Moses’ future and ensure an improved quality of living. “I believe it’s not too late for my son to get treated. I still have hope,” Moses’ father says.

Meet Chab, a 57-year-old woman from Cambodia. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), shares, “Chab is married with seven children and ten grandchildren. She likes to watch Thai dramas on TV.” Chab has a cataract, or clouded lens, in her eye. CSC explains that this cataract “causes her to be partially blind.” Further, they tell us, “She has a very hard time doing work on the farm and doesn't feel safe going places by herself. So she spends most of her time at home.” Chab shares that staying at home makes her feel, “very bored and useless.” For $150 Chab’s clouded lens will be removed and replaced with a clear lens implant. After surgery Chab’s vision will be restored. Chab says, “she looks forward to going back to work on the farm, going to the pagoda and spending time with her grandchildren.”

Meet Abdi, a 36-year-old man from Kenya who is married with five children. “Abdi has a few heads of goats, sheep and cows that enable him to support his family. His wife stays at home taking care of the children while Abdi herds,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Abdi was chopping firewood five years ago when he accidentally cut his right ankle,” AMHF continues. “He did not think much of the wound and after some home treatment, Abdi did not seek medical care.” He has since developed a septic wound that has not healed. AMHF explains to us that “he was referred to the hospital and after assessment, he was informed that he would need a local wide excision of the wound followed by a skin graft.” If Abdi does not have the surgery soon, the infection could get worse and result in an amputation. $940 will fund the debridement and skin graft he needs in order to avoid further damage to his ankle. A debridement is a surgical procedure that involves removing infected tissue from the wound site. Afterwards, a skin graft is performed in order to transplant healthy skin from another area of Abdi’s body to his ankle. Although Abdi has not been able to raise the full treatment cost, $175 has been contributed by his family and friends. AMHF expects that after surgery, “Abdi's foot will be saved and he will be able to continue herding and taking care of his family.” Abdi says, "I did not think that this would cost me my leg. I am very happy that I followed my friend's advice and come to the hospital before it was too late."

"Pyae Son first became aware he had a heart condition two years ago," says our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). "He remembers supervising on a construction site and feeling overly tired. Since that day he says he experiences poor appetite, difficulty breathing and numbness in his chest." Pyae Son is a 27-year-old young man from Burma. He lives with his parents and grandfather. "He was enrolled at university but had to stop his studies one year ago in order to financially support his family," BBP tells us. Pyae Son was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, and needs surgery to correct his defect. "Pyae Son hopes to receive surgery shortly so he can contribute financially to his family once more," BBP says. "He stated he want a ‘stable and simple life.’ The only thing he desires is to live a life where he has energy; he no longer wants to live as a patient." $1500 will fund a complex cardiac treatment for Pyae Son. BBP expects that this will resolve the underlying condition and resolve his current symptoms, such as the inability to sleep, pain, and numbness. He will also be able to return to work and support his family.