Lenkai is a baby from Kenya. He has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Lenkai traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on March 10. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,224 to fund Lenkai's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily.

Titus is a child from Kenya. He is the youngest in a family of three children. Titus lives with his parents. Titus was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Titus has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Titus will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 31. AMHF is requesting $459 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. “We love our boy so much and would like to see him grow up like other children. We hope Watsi will support us so that he can get well and grow up like other boys,” says Titus's mother.

Der Lwel is an 18-year-old boy who lives with his parents and two younger brothers in Ta Kue Khee Village, Kyain Seikgyi Township, Karen State, Burma. He and his parents work as subsistence farmers, while his two younger brothers are students. Two years ago, Der Lwel broke his lower back bone. The next day, he received internal fixation surgery. After the surgery, he learned that he would need to come back in two years to have the metal screws removed. Now, he is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the metal screws on February 13. This procedure will cost $1,500. Der Lwel said, “I feel very uncomfortable and I have pain when I bend over while planting or harvest rice. I want to receive treatment and work comfortably like I did before I got injured.”

Chhum is a market inventory manager from Cambodia. He has one son, two daughters, and four grandchildren. Three years ago, Chhum developed a cataract in each eye, causing him burning, itchiness, irritation, and clouded lenses. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Chhum learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On January 10, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $398 procedure. He says, "I hope my surgery is successful so I can see clearly and easily do my work."

Koem is a vegetable seller from Cambodia. She has two sons and four daughters. She likes to read and spend time with her children. Three years ago, she developed knee pain due to arthritis. She must rely on others to help her walk, and she is in chronic pain. Fortunately, Koem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Koem of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for October 18, and Koem needs help raising $1,025 to pay for this procedure. She says, "After surgery, I hope the pain will go away and I hope I can walk again soon."

Samson is a student from Tanzania. He is the youngest in a family of four. Samson sustained burns from touching an electrical wire when he was younger. He has very little functional mobility due to extensive contractures. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Samson receive treatment. On November 5, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use two of his fingers. Now, he needs help to fund this $608 procedure.

Jonenskia is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three siblings on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. She likes dancing and attending church with her family. Jonenskia has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood flows through this hole without first passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. On October 8, she will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner's care center. During surgery, surgeons will close the hole in her heart with a patch. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery. Jonenskia's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications. She says, "I am excited to have surgery so I won't be sick so often."

Joy is an infant from Kenya. Joy’s mother is a full-time mother, while her father is a subsistence farmer. Both Joy and her twin sister were born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Luckily, the National Health Insurance supported their spina bifida closure and her sister's hydrocephalus treatment. Joy 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, Joy has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Joy will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Joy that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 6 and will drain the excess fluid from Joy's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Joy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. “We are kindly seeking help to have Joy treated,” says Joy’s mother.