Two weeks after his birth, Twahla’s mother noticed that he had not yet passed stool. From the nearest hospital, his mother was advised to use glycerine to lubricate his opening and aid in passing stool. However at six months, the glycerine was no longer effective. They were advised to try another treatment and at seven months, they were referred to Watsi's Medical Partner Care Center BethanyKids Hospital where a biopsy was done. Doctors diagnosed Twahla with Hirschsprung's Disease. His doctors recommend a pull-through procedure to aid in passing stool normally. Twahla is the second born in a family of two children. His mother is a housewife while his father is a salesperson with a very limited income. The family lives in a two-room rental house in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. They had the national insurance health insurance coverage, but have exhausted their NHIF benefit kit and are not able to raise the additional funds needed. “Please help my son get through with this treatment,” shared Twahla’s mother.

Keith is a 12-year-old from Kenya. He is the first born child in a family of two, both of whom are students in grade three. They hail from Kaptul village which is known to be a rural area with less access to medical and social services. His parents are peasant farmers and they depend on seasonal farm products like mangoes and cassavas for commercial purpose. The money they get from those farm products is not enough to sustain the family for their daily needs. Therefore they depend on well-wishers for food and clothing when they don’t have farm products to sell. Four days ago, Keith fell from a high height and sustained trauma with injuries on right leg. A right tibia fracture was revealed by x-ray on his arrival to the hospital. Keith was looking after his grandmother’s cattle when he fell into a ditch. He is now in pain and cannot walk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 20th, Keith will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him heal well and be able to walk again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure. Keith’s mother says, “He is hardworking and he is liked by his grandmother for being honest and taking responsibility. He will be missed by his grandmother, who is wishing him quick recovery.”

Sidaneth is a 25-year-old receptionist from Cambodia. She has two sisters and brothers, and enjoys listening to music and hanging out with her friends. When she was young, Sidaneth had a serious ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her ear to perforate. For this reason, Sidaneth experiences hearing loss, discharge, tinnitus, and vertigo. She often feels dizzy and cannot hear others clearly. Sidaneth traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. She previously received treatment for her other ear, but now needs follow up to complete the procedure on the other side. On January 7th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $464 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. "I hope that surgery will clear up my ear infection and my hearing will improve," she shared.

Ayebazibwe is a farmer from Uganda. She is a married mother to one young child. Her husband is an accountant and his salary is the major source of income for their family. She earns a living through practicing small-scale farming and mostly grows beans and maize. She has a lot of family members dependent on her as many of her sisters are still in school. Six years ago, Ayebazibwe began to experience troubling symptoms, including difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Ayebazibwe receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on April 7th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $240, and she and her family need help raising money. Ayebazibwe says, “I hope to feel much better after my surgery.”

Pulong is a 75-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. Now, she stays with her daughter at her home where her favorite pastime is listening to the news on the radio. Two years ago, Pulong developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Pulong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for eight and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 3rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. "I hope that my grandmother will be able to see more clearly so she can recognize things again and be able to go outside on her own." -Pulong's Granddaughter