Lowena is a dedicated community health worker from the Philippines. She assists with maternal care and child health services in her community. She works three times a week in the field and will soon help with a measles vaccination program for children. Her son, Randy, drives a school bus, and together they provide for the family. Lowena enjoys singing in her free time and considers her fieldwork her exercise, as it keeps her active through frequent walking. Forty-four years ago, Lowena began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain, significant discomfort, and occasional bleeding. She was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. For a long time, Lowena postponed her own treatment to care for her sick grandchild, but after seeing the child recover and learning about hospital support, she decided it was time to prioritize her health. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lowena receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on May 5th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her hemorrhoids. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Lowena's procedure and care. "Having this surgery is a huge blessing, especially for people like me who cannot afford treatment. I hope Watsi continues helping more people, because helping others brings happiness," Shared Lowena.

Yohannes is a cheerful and active young boy from Ethiopia. He loves visiting new places, playing with other children, and asking his mother many questions. He also enjoys watching cartoons and spending time with his friends. His father works as a taxi driver, while his mother is a homemaker who cares for the family. Yohannes's mother first noticed something unusual shortly after his birth. Doctors diagnosed him with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Yohannes is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 25th at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Yohannes’ mother: “I am very happy to come to BKMCM. I received good service, and I hope my baby will be in good condition after the surgery.”

Kelvin is a lively five-year-old boy who lives in Kenya with his parents and older sibling. His father is a motorcycle taxi driver, and his mother is a farmer. He is an active boy who enjoys playing football. At home, he is very helpful and often assists his family with chores, including working on the farm. Kelvin was born with a significant misalignment in his right foot. This condition has affected his ability to stand upright and to walk with ease. Kelvin was also born with a heart condition, which took priority in terms of treatment. Thankfully, this condition was successfully treated, and Kelvin's family can now focus on treatment for his mobility issues. Kelvin has already received conservative treatments at several hospitals, but unfortunately, there has been no significant improvement in his condition. Thus, his parents decided to visit the CURE Mobile Clinic in Meru, where they were referred to our partner's medical care center, AIC CURE International Hospital. After a thorough assessment, Kelvin was scheduled for right tibia hemimelia reconstruction surgery. This surgery is expected to greatly improve his life, allowing him to stand upright, walk properly, and enjoy childhood like other children his age. Kelvin will undergo surgery on April 29th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Kelvin's procedure and care. Kelvin's mother shared, “I am praying that he receives treatment, recovers quickly, and can join school like other children."

Adriana is a seven-year-old girl from Colombia. Approximately one year ago, she was first evaluated by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed multiple deep dental cavities. Since then, she has been under ongoing observation. However, the progression of the disease has led to inflammation, the presence of pus, and difficulty eating. Although Adriana isn't currently experiencing any pain, her condition significantly impairs her physical and functional development. The management process of Adriana's condition has been complex, and it was ultimately determined that treatment must be performed under general anesthesia due to the number of affected teeth and the patient’s young age. Fortunately, Adriana will receive treatment from our medical partner, Clínica Noel, on April 20th. They are requesting $1,109 to cover the cost of her treatment. This will not only alleviate Adriana's physical pain but will also significantly contribute to restoring her quality of life and overall development. Adriana's mother shares, "As a mother, my greatest hope is that my daughter can improve her quality of life, grow up to be a healthy child, become more independent, and have better opportunities for her future. We are currently seeking support to access the treatment she needs, in the hope of providing her with a fuller, more dignified life and greater opportunities for development. We are fully confident that, with the right help, her treatment will be successful and she will make a full recovery. To everyone who wishes to support us, I want to express my most sincere gratitude. Your help represents immense hope for us and a light on this path. I am convinced that every act of kindness is rewarded and that God blesses those who act with a compassionate heart. My daughter would be immensely happy to receive this help, as it would mean a valuable opportunity to improve her well-being and transform her life."

Melau is an eight-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the fifth child in a large family, and her parents depend on livestock and farming for income. Access to specialized care has been limited due to distance and cost. When she was younger, Melau accidentally got burned by hot milk. She now has a severe burn scar affecting her right wrist and hand. The injury led to deep burns and later severe tightening of the scar, leaving her wrist stiff and her hand function reduced. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Melau receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give her a chance for improved independence and daily function. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Melau's father says, “Her wrist is very tight and painful, and she cannot use her hand normally for playing or helping at home.”

Raffy is a father of four children—three sons and one infant daughter. The family resides in Parañaque City in the Philippines. Raffy works as a scrap collector and sells his finds at nearby shops. He earns enough to support his family's daily living expenses. However, Raffy admits that this income is just enough to cover their needs. His partner is a full-time housewife who remains at home to care for their children. He prefers that she not seek employment so she can focus on childcare and provide support during his current medical condition, further underscoring the family’s financial challenges and the significance of the assistance he needs. Three months ago, Raffy began to experience troubling symptoms, including constant pain in his stomach. He was diagnosed with a gallbladder disorder, known as cholecystitis, which causes discomfort due to inflammation. Raffy has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Raffy is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on January 30th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Raffy's surgery and care. Raffy shared, "Thank you so much to this foundation. If not for this program, I would not be able to get the operation I need. This is a big help to my family and me."

Faruk is a three-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys watching cartoon movies, baking cakes and cookies with his mother, and playing with his youngest sister. His mother is a dedicated housewife, and his father earns a living as a street vendor. Faruk was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. His parents first noticed his condition 14 days after his birth. After visiting a private clinic, they were informed that surgery would be necessary. In search of proper treatment, Faruk’s mother visited various hospitals and clinics. Determined to find a solution, she even sought care at a private hospital, but their financial limitations made this option impossible. The stigma surrounding Faruk’s condition has also affected him socially. This deeply troubled his mother, especially when Faruk would ask why he could not do some things that other kids could. Fortunately, Faruk is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 11th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Faruk's mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your willingness and support. Your encouragement helped me maintain hope during a challenging time when I was deeply worried about my son's condition. After the doctor explained the procedure, I gained renewed hope and trust that my child's surgery would be safe and successful, with God's guidance."

Duda is a ten-year-old boy and a first-grader from Tanzania. He is the seventh-born child in a family of nine, growing up surrounded by siblings who look out for one another. Life changed dramatically for the family four years ago when their father passed away, leaving his mother to raise all nine children on her own. To support her family, Maduhu’s mother works tirelessly in cotton farming, doing everything she can to ensure her children have food, clothing, and access to school. Despite her efforts, life remains difficult, especially with Duda and his brother needing more support because they were born with clubfoot. Duda has clubfoot on his right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Duda's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on November 27th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Duda's clubfoot repair. Duda's mother said, "Raising my children on my own has been hard. We all work hard to have a stable life; helping him will be helping our whole family."