Joel is a one-month old baby boy from Kenya. He is the youngest of three children and lives with his parents. His mother is a farmer, and his father is a construction worker. When Joel was born, doctors noticed a swelling on his lower back that was leaking fluid. They diagnosed him with spina bifida, a condition in which there is an incomplete formation of the spine and a leaking of cerebrospinal fluid through the gap. If left untreated, this condition can lead to the development of a tethered spinal cord, infections of the exposed tissue, scoliosis, and a rounding of the back. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,097, on top of the $52 subsidized by Joel's family, in order to cover the cost of Joel's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 29 and, once completed, will hopefully allow Joel to grow and develop in a healthy manner. “This was so unexpected and quite devastating," says Joel's mother. "But I am encouraged to know that there is a solution to his condition."

Elise is a 55-year-old woman from Masayiti, a village in Malawi. Elise lives with her devoted husband, who is a groundnut and soy farmer. Together, they have four children and eleven grandchildren. Elise has a small business selling freezes made from frozen water and fruit juice. Elise likes to spend time with her kids and chat with friends. Three weeks ago, Elise started experiencing bleeding and discomfort in a private area. She learned that she has cervical cancer and needs a hysterectomy to remove all or part of her uterus. Fortunately, with the help of our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, Elise is scheduled to receive her surgery on February 23. Now, she needs help to pay for this $650 procedure. Elise says, "I will be happy to return to my business and no longer be scared of my cancer."

John is a 66-year-old farmer from Malawi. He lives with his wife. Together, they have ten children and twelve grandchildren. He works as a maize farmer and also keeps chickens. When not working, John likes to spend time at his church and with his friends. For the past three months John has been experiencing urinary dysfunction. He was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged and blocks the urethra, making it difficult to go to the restroom. On February 16, John will undergo a prostatectomy—a procedure in which part of the prostate is removed—at our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is asking for $733 to fund John's hospital stay, physician's fees, and medication. When told about the Watsi program, John and his family were overjoyed. "When I get better I can farm again and enjoy my time in church!" says John.

Yeth is a 65-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and has four sons, three daughters, and over ten grandchildren. In her free time, she likes to go to the pagoda to listen to monks pray and join ceremonies. About one year ago, Yeth developed a cataract in each eye, causing blurred vision and tearing. Since then, it has been difficult for her to see things clearly and work. Fortunately, she learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Yeth and her son traveled for three hours to reach CSC for treatment. Now, CSC is requesting $292 to fund a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant for each eye. She is scheduled to receive the surgery on February 14. Successful completion of this procedure will restore clear vision in both of Yeth's eyes.

Yorki is a 16-year-old boy living with his mother and father in a small city in the Dominican Republic. He has intellectual disabilities and attends a special education program, where he is learning to work as a bicycle mechanic. Yorki was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. This means a hole in his heart that normally closes shortly after birth remained open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him sickly and unable to gain weight. Although Yorki is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. He will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center. First, Yorki will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 17. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Yorki also covers the cost of medications and social support for him and him family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Yorki's surgical care. "My family would like to say thank you," Yorki's mother expresses, "to everyone who is helping God answer our prayers for our son."

Flavio is a nine-year-old boy who needs a wheelchair. He has Down Syndrome and cannot walk without support. Currently, Flavio's parents carry him, but this is becoming increasingly difficult as Flavio grows and gains weight. Flavio lives with his parents, little brother, and older sister in rural Guatemala. His father is a farmer, and his mother takes care of their home. She carries Flavio to physical and language therapy, which was [funded](https://watsi.org/profile/4136f70e9432-flavio) by Watsi. Unfortunately, Flavio is becoming increasing confined to his home. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is requesting $1,034 to fund a wheelchair for Flavio. Flavio will continue going to therapy and will once again be able to participate in community life outside the home.

Meet Julio, a one-year-old baby boy from the Dominican Republic. Julio was born with a ventricular septal defect. In this condition, there is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, causing oxygen-rich blood to combine with oxygen-poor blood. This then forces Julio's heart to work harder than normal, making him feel ill. Although Julio is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. Julio will be one of the first children to receive this care. First, Julio will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 8. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Julio also covers the cost of medications and social support for him and his family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Julio's surgical care. His mother says, "We would like to thank everyone who is helping answer our prayers for Julio to become healthy!"

Zet is a 13-month-old baby from Guatemala. He is the first child in his family, and his parents are thrilled to have him. Zet's mother is a homemaker, while his father is a farmer and fisherman. Zet's soccer ball is his favorite toy, and his parents suspect he may be a great athlete in the future! Zet has been unable to gain weight, and has thus been diagnosed with acute malnutrition. On February 7, Zet will begin treatment at our medical partner's care center, Clinic Panajachel. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is asking for $782 to cover the cost of his nutrient and food supplementation. This will also pay for an educational program that will teach his mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet with limited resources. "We hope that our son grows healthy and that he is able to realize his dreams," say Zet's parents.