Dibora is a 14-year-old girl from Ethiopa. She is one of 10 children, and her parents work as farmers to support their large family. Dibora was born with anorectal malformation, a birth defect in which the anus and the rectum do not develop properly. As a result, Dibora cannot make stool and urine in a normal way. Furthermore, Dibora has had to drop out of school several times and is now many grade levels behind her peers. She has faced discrimination from other students and community members because of her medical condition, which has been very psychologically taxing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to fund corrective surgery for Dibora. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 11 and, once completed, will hopefully allow Dibora to live more comfortably and confidently. Dibora's father says “I lost all hope and the money I had after we returned home for the third time without a treatment. All these years, Dibora has been without treatment, facing so many social and psychological problems. I couldn’t bear to see her situation and I tried to find someone who can help us in my hometown and in other towns. I found this organization who told me about the service you are providing and they brought me here.”

Yorb is a 37-year-old farmer from Cambodia who is married with two sons and one daughter. In her free time, she likes to bake cakes, cook, and listen to the radio. On April 31, Yorb fell, causing a dislocation of her left elbow. As a result, it is difficult for her to use her elbow, and the dislocation causes pain. She went to a healer for treatment, but her symptoms did not improve. On June 7, surgeons from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure to heal Yorb's dislocation and allow her to use her arm easily again. For the procedure, CSC requests $411.

Annah is a 30-year-old mother from Uganda. She is married with four children and is expecting her fifth! Annah and her husband, Charles, work as small farmers growing food for their own consumption. They also farm for others to earn an income. Less than a year ago, Annah gave birth via C-section due to her cervical dystocia. With this upcoming delivery, doctors are expecting her to need another C-section. Beginning on June 22, Annah will be monitored at our medical partner's care center, Bwindi Community Hospital. Our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, is asking for $241 to fund her treatment and ensure she has a safe delivery. Annah and her husband have contributed $7 towards her care. “It is a great blessing to have this help," says Annah. "I thank all the donors for their support.” After delivery, Annah looks forward to nursing her baby and returning to gardening.

Zhyrine is a two-year-old girl who lives with her grandmother. She loves to play with other kids from the neighborhood. Zhyrine has been diagnosed with moderately acute malnutrition. Malnutrition threatens her growth and development and could even be fatal if not addressed. Fortunately, she will begin $184 malnutrition treatment on February 20. Zhyrine will be treated by International Care Ministries (ICM), a Watsi medical partner. One out of five children under five in ICM communities is either severely or moderately malnourished. Worldwide, poor nutrition is associated with nearly half of all deaths in young children. In remote communities and urban slums of the Philippines, the lack of clean water and unclean environments add risk to potentially fatal childhood diseases. ICM’s home-based feeding program provides nutrient-enriched food packs to ensure malnourished children get additional food to regain normal weight and achieve optimum physical and mental development. After identifying a child as malnourished, staff and community volunteers make weekly visits to monitor this child’s progress. To help sustain the health of the child, ICM’s professional staff educate the mother, guardian, or other family members about proper nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and organic vegetable gardening. Her grandmother says, "I hope she will recover fast from malnutrition and can finish her studies someday."

Phon is a 66-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married with three sons, four daughters, and ten grandchildren. She enjoys going to the pagoda to listen to monks pray. About one year ago, Phon developed cataracts in each eye, causing her blurred vision, tearing, cloudy lenses, and extreme sensitivity to light. Because of her eye condition, she has difficulty seeing clearly, which impacts her independence and ability to work. Phon learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), from her neighbor. She traveled for three hours with her son-in-law to reach CSC for treatment. On March 27, Phon will undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in each eye. After recovery, Phon will be able to see clearly again. CSC is requesting $292 to fund this procedure.

Jhon is a one-year-old boy who lives in a house made from bamboo with his four siblings and parents. Jhon loves to play with his siblings. His parents work as rubber tappers. Jhon has been diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. Malnutrition threatens his growth and development and could even be fatal if not addressed. Fortunately, he will begin $268 malnutrition treatment on February 22. Jhon will be treated by International Care Ministries (ICM), a Watsi medical partner. One out of five children under five in ICM communities is either severely or moderately malnourished. Worldwide, poor nutrition is associated with nearly half of all deaths in young children. In remote communities and urban slums of the Philippines, the lack of clean water and unclean environments add risk to potentially fatal childhood diseases. ICM’s home-based feeding program provides nutrient-enriched food packs to ensure malnourished children get additional food to regain normal weight and achieve optimum physical and mental development. After identifying a child as malnourished, staff and community volunteers make weekly visits to monitor this child’s progress. To help sustain the health of the child, ICM’s professional staff educate the mother, guardian, or other family members about proper nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and organic vegetable gardening. "I hope my son will become a doctor someday," says his mother.