Angelita is a 64-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and cleaning their home. She is unemployed and relies on her husband's income as a tricycle driver. Angelita found a lump on her chest that had become more noticeable. Angelita is worried about her health, prompting her to seek medical treatment at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, where she was advised to undergo surgery. Angelita is scheduled for a mass removal surgery on November 30th, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is asking for your help to support Angelita's surgery. A portion of the cost of her surgery is funded by government health insurance, but Angelita needs to raise $869 more to fund her procedure and care. "Thank you very much to Watsi and its donors. I am very grateful since our income is insufficient to support our daily and monthly expenses," said Angelita.

Arleen is a mother of two from the Philippines. She and her husband are both temporarily unemployed. They rely on her siblings and parents for support. Arleen has been experiencing pain and discomfort on the right side of her chest, especially when lifting heavy objects. Five months ago, she noticed a lump when the pain became unbearable. Arleen has been diagnosed with breast cancer and was immediately advised to undergo a mastectomy, a surgery to remove part or all of her breast tissue to prevent the cancer from spreading. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Arleen receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on December 21st at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising $990 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Arleen will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. Arleen expressed, "This opportunity to receive free surgery is a huge help because we no longer have to worry about my illness worsening due to not being able to afford treatment earlier. I am deeply grateful to the foundation offering assistance because, without it, many people like me would suffer more and longer because we cannot afford treatment. Thank you very much."

Magno is a 67-year-old community peacekeeper from the Philippines. Magno's work and income are crucial for his family. While his children occasionally assist them with bills, their food, and everyday living expenses are primarily covered by his salary. Five months ago, Magno was diagnosed with an indirect inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him occasional pain and everyday discomfort because of the lump near his lower abdomen. Despite his health condition, Magno maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying morning jogs and brisk walking in his spare time. Fortunately, on November 29th, Magno will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Magno's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Magno shared, "Thank you for the ongoing support from organizations like Watsi that help those in need, especially the elderly like me. I hope that these initiatives continue as it make considerable difference in the lives of individuals like me."

Luis, who is 11 years old, lives with his parents and three siblings in a small town in the heart of Bolivia. His mother is a homemaker, while his stepfather works in construction. Luis enjoys studying math, going swimming in a nearby river, and cooking. Luis has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus where a hole exists between two major blood vessels near his heart, which causes blood to leak out, leaving him weak, and potentially leading to heart failure. On December 4th, Luis will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During the procedure, surgeons will close the hole so blood can no longer leak through it. Luis' family needs your help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Luis said: "My birthday is coming up in two weeks and I am looking forward to being able to celebrate at home with a healthy heart!"

Ko Ko is a 14-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his grandparents, parents, great-aunt, younger twin brothers, and younger sister. He is in fifth grade. Ko Ko's father runs a photocopy and printing shop and his mother is a homemaker and looks after his younger sister. Ko Ko's grandparents and great-aunt are retired and help Ko Ko’s mother with household chores. In his free time, Ko Ko likes to read the Qur’an. Ko Ko said, “I want to become an imam in the future.” Ko Ko was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backward. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Ko Ko easily tires, especially when he climbs stairs. Sometimes, he feels a tightness in his chest. Due to his condition, Ko Ko often misses school. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Ko Ko. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 18th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ko Ko’s mother said, “I could not afford to pay for transportation to Thailand so Ko Ko could not undergo treatment sooner. I know that the surgery cost is expensive, and I cannot afford to pay for it. I am very happy that Ko Ko will have the chance to undergo treatment. Thank you for supporting and helping us with his treatment.”

Iren is a 20-year-old lady from Kenya. Her father is a handyman who makes portable charcoal stoves to support the family, while her mother is a farmer. The couple has seven children and Iren's parents work hard to ensure that all of them receive an education. Iren completed her high school education and plans to continue studying once she is in better health. For the past two years, Iren has had a lump on the side of her chest. As the lump grew bigger, it became more painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, her parents could not afford the tests needed to get a proper diagnosis. Iren moved to her uncle's home and her uncle brought Iren to a hospital where she underwent several scans. Iren was then referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, and has been scheduled for mass excision surgery on September 18th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure so that Iren can recover, and continue pursuing her education. Iren said: “I feel like my life is on hold because I can’t proceed to college with this pain I am in.”

Sai Khan is a six-year-old boy who lives with his parents and his cousin in Karen State, Burma. Sai Khan's father is a soldier and his mother is a home-maker. His cousin is a day laborer. Their income often falls short of meeting their needs, so they rely on the local clinic at the internally displaced persons camp for free basic health care. Two years ago, Sai Khan started experiencing throat pain accompanied by occasional fever. Currently, his tonsils are swollen and red, causing him pain and discomfort when swallowing food. The swelling increases when he has a fever. Additionally, he struggles to open his mouth wide enough to speak without experiencing pain. Recently, Sai Khan was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if left untreated, could lead to persistent and potentially worsening symptoms. Due to his condition, he has temporarily stopped attending school. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sai Khan, which is scheduled to take place on September 3rd. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, relieving Sai Khan of his symptoms and helping him get back to good health. Sai Kham's mother says, "I sent my son to school to study, but he struggles to read because he often complains of throat pain. Whenever he tries to open his mouth to speak or read, he says it causes even more pain. Once he finishes his treatment, I will support him in returning to school. My dream is for him to be an educated person."

Min is a 43-year-old man who lives with his friend’s family in Yangon, Burma. In March 2024, there was a conflict between the armed groups in his village in Rakhine State, where Min lived together with his wife. Their house was burnt down by the military soldiers so they ran away and hid in another town. However, conflict continued to persist, leading to the loss of connection with his wife and relatives while trying to escape from the attack. Now, Min is staying at his friend’s home, relying on their friend's family for basic needs. For basic healthcare, he mostly goes to the local clinic in Yangon. In his free time, Min likes reading books and the news. Min was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires replacement of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to become narrow. Currently, Min is having difficulty breathing and palpitations, limiting his daily activities such as walking and other physical activities. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Min. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Pun Hlaing Hospital on July 12th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Min is hopeful that he will be reunited with his wife, and is grateful to receive the support from BCMF. He says, “Now I only have a life that BCMF gives so that I could continue to live for many years. I hope my operation goes well and recover soon. When I am healthy again, I wish to reunite with my wife and relatives in Rakhine State. I am very thankful to BCMF for making me escape from the hopeless condition.”

Thein is a 54-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild in Karen State, Burma. Both Thein and her husband are unemployed. Her son-in-law works as a taxi driver and her daughter is a homemaker. In her free time, she enjoys sewing clothes and look after her grandchild. In March, Thein began experiencing abdominal pain and difficulty walking or standing up. She was diagnosed with adenomyoma. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Thein's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Thein is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on July 4th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, this treatment will help free her from abdominal pain and she will be able to stand up and walk easily without pain. Thein said, “I am worried about my situation. I want to undergo surgery. However, I cannot afford the surgery cost without your support. Now, I am very grateful that I have met the BCMF and the donors who could help pay for my treatment cost. Thank you very much.”

Matilida is a businesswoman from Malawi. She is a widow who lost her husband in 2005. Being a dedicated member of the Assemblies of God, the church decided to take over the responsibility of her only son through education. Matilda sells boiled potatoes for a living. Twenty-nine years ago, Matilida began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling in the neck. She sought help from several traditional doctors without success. In 2023, she started experiencing symptoms like pain when swallowing, neck heaviness, frequent coughs, and increased swelling of the neck. The symptoms continued to get worse, affecting her business. Matilda was referred to a hospital where she was diagnosed with a goiter and was recommended to have a thyroidectomy. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Matilida receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on May 16th at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015 and she and her family need help raising money. Matilida said, “I am looking forward to my healing as the only parent for my only child.”

Chorng is a 60-year-old soup cart owner from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, two sons, and eight other family members on the outskirts of the capital city of Phnom Penh. His younger son is at University and the older son helps run their soup cart. When not working, Chorng helps around the house and listens to traditional Cambodian music playlists from YouTube. Just over one year ago, Chorng had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Chorng experiences hearing loss, pain, and ear discharge. He is unable to hear his customers and relies on others to help him. He also has trouble communicating with his family and neighbors. Chorng traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 28th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chorng says, "I hope my hearing will improve. I want to be able to work more and talk with my customers."

Poe is a 28-year-old loving mother from Burma. She lives with her husband, her daughter and her son in Karen State, Burma. Poe is the primary caregiver of the children and runs the household, and her husband is a farmer. Their family also raise chickens and pigs to feed their family. During her free time, she enjoys going out to forage vegetables in the forest and going fishing in the stream. Poe and her family are unable to pay for healthcare. Poe is eight months pregnant with her third child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver her baby via a caesarean section because of her labor pain and severe bleeding. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both Poe and her child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Poe undergo a C-Section on February 9th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Poe needs your support. Her brother says, "Thank you to the donors and everyone who helps my sister during our difficult time."