Sarin is a 53-year-old single woman who lives in Phnom Penh province and is the primary caregiver for her elderly parents. She has five living siblings (sadly, two of her siblings died young) who help to support her and her parents. Most of her day is taken up with caring for her parents, cooking, and cleaning. In the evenings, Sarin likes to practice dhamma - a form of Buddhist meditation - as well as listen to the village monks pray on the local radio station. For many years, Sarin had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. If untreated, a cholesteatoma can cause erosion of the three small bones located in the middle ear, resulting in nerve deterioration, imbalance, vertigo, and deafness. It can also affect and erode, through the enzymes it produces, the thin bone structure that isolates the top of the ear from the brain, risking further infection with serious complications. Sarin's cholesteatoma has caused her many problems. She suffers ear discharge, headaches, and a gradual loss of hearing. It is difficult for her to communicate with her family and other villagers, and she is embarrassed that she cannot hear well. She visited several hospitals seeking care but could not afford to pay for surgery. One of the hospitals suggested she visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Sarin traveled to CSC and, after examination, learned that she will be able to receive treatment. On October 17, the ENT surgeons at CSC will remove the cholesteatoma by performing a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. CSC is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sarin said: "I hopeful that this operation will improve my hearing and prevent a brain infection."

Simeona is a 65-year-old woman, living in the Philippines. She lives alone, and works selling clothing outside of the church. While she has two adult children, they have families of their own, and Simeona is determined to be financially independent, even as there are many days when she doesn't earn very much. Three years ago, Simeona began to experience stomach aches that would radiate to her back. These symptoms made it difficult for her to take care of her daily chores, and as she lives alone, there was no one to help her. It was determined that Simeona needs to have her gallbladder removed, in order to alleviate her symptoms, and to ensure that she does not experience further health complications. While a portion of Simeona's surgical procedure is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is seeking $1,128 to cover the remainder of what is needed for Simeona's cholecystectomy, which is scheduled for October 18th, at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Simeona said: "It is a significant help for me to receive medical treatment without any expenses. Even if I sell clothes everyday for the rest of my life, I would have never earned the money needed for this treatment. So, thank you very much to all the donors who will make this surgery possible for me."

Babi is a cute toddler from Ethiopia. He is an only child and loves to play with toy cars; he pushes the toy making the sound 'uuuuuvvvv', saying it's a car. His father, who has a 5th-grade education, used to work in the horticulture industry as a laborer, but he lost his wife a year back to tuberculosis and has been trying to balance everything on his own. After his mom's death, Babi had no one to take care of him besides his dad, so his dad decided to leave his job to take care of his child and try to get him the necessary treatment. Babi experienced a bowel obstruction, and he got three surgeries at Negele Arsi General Hospital, but he still had complications with his bowel. There is a small window for corrective surgery, but colostomy closure is preferred since the opening is too small. Babi's father has suffered with the whole process and feels he is highly affected psychologically as Babi cannot make a stool in a normal way. Earlier, Babi underwent a colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but colostomies are usually temporary and may call for closure. In Babi's case, his colostomy requires closure to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,009 to cover Babi's colostomy closure cost. Once completed, he can grow up more comfortably and confidently. Babi's dad said, "After he gets the treatment and heals, I hope he will go to school and lead a good life in the future."

Maung is a 62-year-old grandfather who lives with his family in a village in the conflict areas of Karen State, Burma. His wife is retired and his daughter is a mother to his three grandchildren who are in nursery school. Maung is a day laborer on a farm, and his son-in-law is a carpenter. However, their combined income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, and they have to borrow money to buy food. In his free time, Maung loves to play with his grandchildren. Two years ago, Maung started to notice pain around his lower abdomen on the right side of his body. He took medicine he received from a local healer. The medicine worked for a while and managed to feel better. However, a few weeks ago, while Maung was working on the farm, the pain came back. He went to the healer but this time his condition did not improve. Two days after the pain arrived, his lower abdomen started to swell. The area has increased in swelling and when he walks he experiences a burning pain. If he coughs or sneezes, the swollen area increases and causes more pain. Maung had decided against going to a clinic or hospital due to his family's financial situation. Fortunately, Maung arrived at the care center of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), where he will be able to receive treatment. The doctor quickly diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia and told him that he needs surgery as soon as possible and scheduled his procedure for June 7th. BCMF is requesting $828 to help fund this procedure to heal his condition. Maung said, "Thank you very much to all the donors and BCMF for helping me to receive treatment. I will not be able to have treatment without your support. My income is not even enough for my family and I always have to borrow money to meet the end of the month. If I have to get treatment by myself, the only way I will have to choose is to suffer as I cannot afford it."

Harrison is 54-year-old mechanic from Kamuguga Kiambu County, Kenya. He is married and a father of 8 children. Of these, 5 are still in school, and the other 3 have completed school, but only one works as a teacher. Harrison does works as a mechanic, while his wife sells green vegetables in a nearby market. About four days ago, Harrison was working on a vehicle when it accidentally moved and rolled over his right leg. An x-ray revealed an open fracture to the tibia (shinbone). The fracture causes him to experience a lot of pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. On August 14th, Harrison will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Successful treatment will result in the fracture healing without deformity. AMH is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. “We support each other to care for our family. I hope this leg will be operated on and heal quickly so that I can go back to my job, and the pain is also too much for me. Kindly seek help on my behalf,” said Harrison.

Nelson is a 79-year-old loving father from the Philippines. He lives with his partner and relies on their only son's financial support to meet their basic needs. He has a passion for gardening and loves to plant vegetables at home. Three years ago, Nelson's health took a downturn when he experienced bleeding during urination. After a consultation, he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and was prescribed medication. However, the pain reoccurred, prompting further investigation. An ultrasound revealed the presence of a bladder stone, necessitating surgical intervention. Over time, Nelson's condition has deteriorated, leading to increased urinary frequency and pain, which severely hinders his daily activities. Fortunately, Nelson found his way to our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) who will be helping him receive the treatment he needs. He is scheduled to undergo a urinary cystolithectomy, the removal of the bladder stone, on July 21st. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising $1,128 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Nelson will hopefully have a pain-free and healthier life. Deeply appreciative of the support he received, Nelson shared, "I'm eternally grateful to Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Your generosity has given me hope to have a more comfortable life, and be free from all that I've been enduring for years."

Say is a day labourer. He lives with his family parents and sister in Burma. During his free time, Say likes to spend time on his phone, watching the news, and listening to gospel songs and sermons. Since January 2023, Say has been experiencing pain in his groin area, back, and lower abdomen. He cannot sit for long periods of time and feels uncomfortable when he walks due to tenderness in the area. He has been diagnosed with a mass in his groin area. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of a mass/cyst removal operation, scheduled for June 12th. Say shared, "I feel so fortunate that God has presented me with donors who can support my treatment. I would love to express my gratitude to thank all of you, BCMF and my donors, for your support. If I complete my treatment and recover completely, I will work around the house raising animals and growing vegetables."

Peter is a student from Kenya who just completed secondary school. He is the third born in his family of seven children. Peter's father passed away, making his mother and older brother the primary providers for his family. His mother works as a small-scale farmer, while his brother works as a truck conductor. In his free time, Peter likes playing football with his friends. In early May, Peter slipped and fell on his left leg. His older brother brought him to the hospital, where Peter received an X-ray revealing a fractured tibia. He needs to undergo surgery to relieve his pain and ensure his leg heals properly to prevent future complications. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On May 15th, Peter will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation. Upon recovery, he will be able to walk with ease. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. Peter said: "I am just starting my adult life and have high hopes for how I wish it would be. I request your help so that my leg can be well again."

Ancheline is a 20-year-old single mother from Kenya. She has two children, aged six and two years old. To support her family, she works as a casual laborer washing clothes for individuals and families. She lives in a one-room home with her two children. Two months ago, Ancheline began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling in her throat, which has caused difficulty swallowing. Her friends helped her raise funds so that she could travel to the hospital outside of her village. Eventually, after a number of tests, she was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Unfortunately, she does not have medical coverage and is unable to afford the procedure on her own. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Ancheline receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on April 20th at AMH's care center. During the procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $949 to help fund the procedure. Ancheline says, “My neck is swelling and it is very uncomfortable. I have been at home hoping it will reduce but it keeps increasing. I hope to get treatment and reduce the swelling.”