Jhon lives in a city in the mountains of central Bolivia. His mother is a homemaker, and his father is a farmer. Shortly after Jhon was born, his parents noticed he was struggling to breathe. He was diagnoses with Tetralogy of Fallot, a condition involving a hole between the two lower chambers of his heart and a muscular blockage of one of his heart valves. Through surgery, doctors will patch the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow more normally through his heart and body. Jhon's mother states: "Our family is very hopeful that after this surgery our son will be able to breathe normally and have more energy."

Kelita is a single mother with four children, aged 18,14,12, and 8. Kelita shared that she separated from her husband in 2017 because she would not adhere to cultural chieftaincy rules that wives are supposed to follow. Kelita refused to stop going to church; hence her family broke apart, and her husband married another woman. He does not provide support for his children so Kelita works hard to support her family on her own. Kelita sells cooked green maize in the nearest markets, earning about $37.00 per month. She and her four children live in a three-room house without water or electricity. Kelita does extra work in people’s gardens for her family's support and shared that she enjoys eating nsima (ugali) with vegetables prepared with groundnut flour. Kelita was well until 2011, when, after the delivery of her third child, she noted a fast-growing swelling on her neck. She did not seek medical care as there was no pain. As time passed, the swelling grew, but was not painful. In 2021, Kelita started experiencing neck heaviness and breathlessness, frequent coughs, and pains when carrying heavy items on her head. This affected her daily activities and business since she could no longer carry a basket of maize on her head. Kelita stopped her cooking business and relied on doing piece work in people’s gardens to support her family. However, even this is difficult now, as bending has become a challenge. In November 2021, Kelita visited her nearest hospital and was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where an ultrasound scan revealed a bilateral complex mass in her thyroid. Kelita was sent for thyroid function tests but since she did not have the money required for the tests, she returned home to try traditional medicine, to no avail. In July, Kelita met a Partners in Hope (PIH) beneficiary who guided her to visit PIH for potential support from Watsi. On August 14th, Kelita met the surgeon at PIH. After the required tests were completed, a diagnosis of goiter was confirmed. Kelita was told she needed to have a surgical intervention called thyroidectomy, the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Due to her financial challenges, Kelita was referred to Watsi's medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, for support. Kelita could smile much bigger after hearing about the planned surgery and committed to a co-pay $27.64 from her savings. Kelita hopes to be well again after the surgical operation. Kelita looks forward to the peace of mind that will enable her to support her children as a single parent. “I need my peace of mind for me to resume my business and be able to carry items on my head again. Kindly help me,” Kelita says.

Hapyness is a charming 9-month-old girl, born to hardworking farmers in the remote village of Igot, in the Ulanga district of Tanzania. Her family's daily life revolves around the cultivation of maize and millet, which not only sustains their meals, but also provides a modest income for the family’s necessities. Unfortunately, her father, who is advancing in age, cannot work extended hours, so her mother toils diligently on the farm, to ensure they yield bountiful harvests. Hapyness was born with a clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is abnormally twisted, making it difficult for her to crawl and eventuall to walk. At the time of her birth, the nurse in attendance recommended immediate medical attention. However, locating such specialized care in their isolated village proved to be impossible. After months of searching, Hapyness' father crossed paths with a young boy who had had a clubfoot which had been successfully treated, and he was able to provide Hapyness' father with the information he had been seeking. As a result of this meeting, Hapyness' parents brought her to the Plaster House, where her treatment will begin on October 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Hapyness' clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to crawl and to walk comfortably as she grows. Hapyness’s mother says: “I am glad there is a chance for my daughter to get treatment. I hope she doesn't have to live with this disability for the rest of her life.”

Linah, a baby girl from Arusha, was born with clubfoot, a condition characterized by the foot being twisted out of shape. To provide her with an opportunity for a healthy and active life, medical intervention is necessary. Unfortunately, her parents, who are self-employed, are unable to shoulder the financial weight of her treatment. Linah's mother earns a living by selling vegetables at the local market, while her father supports the family through small-scale farming. Despite their modest income, they are determined to provide the best possible future for their children. Linah has an older brother who is just one year old, and her parents are acutely aware of the potential lifelong consequences of untreated clubfoot. They believe that pursuing early treatment will allow Linah to grow up without enduring any disabilities or the social impact. Her father's personal experience influenced the decision to bring Linah to our medical partner's care center: Plaster House. He was also once treated at the facility, and the positive outcome of his treatment has instilled confidence in their family regarding Plaster House's expertise and commitment to providing quality care. Linah's mother wishes to see her daughter receive the same level of treatment and care that her spouse received in the past. However, due to the family's limited financial resources, they cannot afford the costs associated with Linah's treatment. Thankfully, Linah had the opportunity to visit Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, our medical partner's care center. On June 13th, skilled surgeons will perform a clubfoot repair surgery for her. Our medical partner is seeking $935 to cover the costs of Linah's treatment. Following the intervention, she will be able to lead a rewarding life without the burdens imposed by clubfoot. Linah’s mother says, "I wish for my daughter to get good care and the best treatment that will give her a chance to live a life free from disability."

Lay is a 29-year-old mother from Thailand. She lives with her husband, son, uncle, aunt and two cousins in a refugee camp. Originally from Karen State, Burma, they fled to the refugee camp in March 2023 due to airstrikes in their village. Lay is a homemaker; her husband, uncle and aunt are unemployed, while her son is in preschool. One of her cousins is a teacher, while the other one is a student. During her free time, Lay enjoys weaving Karen shirts and bags for her family, as well as occasionally to sell. She also enjoys raising chickens and pigs and foraging vegetables in the forest. Lay is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section (C-section) because she gave birth previously through a C-section. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is helping Lay undergo a C-section scheduled on August 11th. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Lay and BCMF are asking for your support to fund the surgery. Lay shared, "I want to stay in the refugee camp. If I have the opportunity to do so, I would love to be resettled in another country.”

Rose is a 25-year-old woman from Haiti. She lives with her older sister and her family in a small community in southwest Haiti. When Rose was a teenager, one of her heart valves was severely damaged due to an infection. This caused a condition known as rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation, where Rose's heart cannot adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. She had to pause her college education due to her condition but hopes to restart school when she is healthy. On July 24th, Rose will undergo cardiac surgery in the United States. During the procedure, surgeons will remove Rose's damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $20,000 to pay for Rose's surgery. Rose's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, checkup, and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Rose's family overseas. Rose shared with us: "I am so happy to be able to have this surgery so that I can start living more normally and thinking about my future!"

Stephen, a 22-month-old baby from Haiti, holds a special place in his parents' hearts as their beloved firstborn. He finds immense joy in gracing the world with his delightful smiles. Recently, Stephen was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his illness, Stephen has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Stephen will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $957 to cover the surgery cost for Stephen at Hospital Bernard Mevs, which will treat his hydrocephalus. This hospital is the only site in the country where this care is currently available, and the procedure is scheduled for June 20th. This necessary treatment will place a shunt to drain the excess fluid from Stephen's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Stephen will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. His parents are excited for their child to be healthy.

Samnang is a 23-year-old army trainee from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal province with his parents and younger sister. Before his injury, Samnang was in boot camp for the Cambodian army. On March 5th, Samnang was in a motor vehicle accident, resulting in the paralysis of his left hand. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can cause the loss of function and sensation. Currently, Samnang is unable to lift his arm and has had to pause his boot camp training as a result. Samnang traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which is the only facility in the country where brachial plexus injury surgery is available. On April 27th, Samnang will undergo surgery. After he has recovered, he should regain the use of his arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Samnang shared: "I hope I can go back to normal life like before the accident."

Junior is a happy and playful five-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother in Dodoma, Tanzania. Junior's mother, who is a single parent, works as a housemaid in Arusha- 450 miles from Dodoma- and sends her earnings to her mother, who cares for Junior. Junior was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition where his legs bow inward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which is often a byproduct of consuming contaminated drinking water. As a result, Junior has difficulty walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Junior. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Junior's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Junior’s mother says: “I am constantly worried about his future because his legs keep getting worse over time. I hope he will get better with this treatment.”