Mbikiriize, a two-year-old Ugandan boy, is the youngest of five children in his family. “His father is a peasant and his mother is a housewife,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). A few weeks after his birth, Mbikiriize developed swelling in his left groin, which doctors diagnosed as an inguinal scrotal hernia, or a protrusion of the intestine through the lower abdominal wall. “Mbikiriize’s parents were advised to take him for surgery when he would be a little older,” says AMHF. “His father was still looking for money to take him to the hospital when he heard about help from Watsi at Virika hospital.” If Mbikiriize’s hernia goes untreated, he risks suffering intestinal obstruction, incarceration and/or strangulation. During the proposed surgery, doctors will push the herniated tissue back into the abdominal cavity and repair the hole in his abdominal wall. The $220 procedure will eliminate the aforementioned risks and allow Mbikiriize to attend school when he is old enough. “Each time my son’s hernia becomes visible I get scared that it will burst one day,” says Mbikiriize’s father. “I am very grateful for the help you are planning to give me.”

Justine is a 30-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband are farmers who grow crops to feed their family and to sell at the local market. They are currently expecting their fifth child. Our medical partner, the Kellermann Foundation, tells us, “Justine has had two previous C-sections and will need a C-section with this child. Without a C-section, she could suffer obstructed labor and tear the previous scars.” For $303, Justine will receive three prenatal care visits, an ultrasound, a C-section to minimize risk to the baby during delivery, and a five-day stay in the hospital to recover after surgery. Our medical partner expects both Justine and her baby to have a healthy delivery and recovery. The Kellermann Foundation shares, “Justine thanks everyone supporting her with hospital fees and has nothing to offer back but prayers for them.”

Erick is a one-year-old boy living in Kenya. He has a twin sister and two hardworking parents. Although Erick’s parents work tirelessly to provide basic necessities for the family, they are struggling financially. Erick has a condition known as coronal craniosynostosis. The skull of a young child is made up of bony plates that allow for growth of the skull. But this condition puts pressure on his brain and can prevent him from fully developing. Erick’s mom is afraid, and says she prays “his bulging forehead is treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage to his brain.” Without this treatment, doctors are concerned that the major milestones in Erick’s life may be delayed, preventing his full development. We can help Erick and his family by funding the cranial expansion treatment he needs! This treatment will give his brain the room to properly grow. For $1,500, we can help Erick develop right along with his twin sister. Let's do this!