In 2018, Jerry noticed a palpable mass under his jaw that kept increasing in size. Although he sought medical attention, Jerry and his family were unable to support his continued need for medications and checkups. Over time, the mass kept growing, causing swelling in his neck. Due to his condition, Jerry was unable to receive job orders and support his family. This has affected his self-esteem and confidence in socializing with other people. Fortunately, a few months ago Jerry was referred by his friend to our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Doctors assessed Jerry and diagnosed him with a submandibular gland tumor. This condition usually presents as a painless neck mass but may progress into cancer if not treated immediately. World Surgical Foundation Philippines is helping Jerry access the care he needs and is asking for your help to fund his $1,479 procedure on March 11th. Jerry shared, "I’ve been praying to the Lord to heal my condition. Gladly, he sent you as an answer to my prayers. I may not be able to return the favor, but I’ll continuously pray that the Lord bless you more. Thank you so much, WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for helping me!”

Mann is a retired farmer with three children and one grandson. These days she is very busy looking after her 3-year-old grandson while his parents work at a construction site. About four years ago, she noticed a mass forming on her cheek. Since then, she has been afraid to see a doctor, but her family finally convinced her to seek help. During her consultation, Mann was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. She currently experiences discomfort and occasional bleeding. When Mann learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 2nd, surgeons at CSC will perform an excision of the mass and skin flap procedure to to help her feel comfortable again and stop the risk of cancer spreading. Now, she needs help to fund this $673 procedure. Mann shared that after surgery she hopes to go back home and resume taking care of her grandson without worrying about her face or cancer.

Pendo is a 2-week-old baby girl from Tanzania. Pendo is part of a large family of one father, two mothers, and 19 children. Pendo's mother joyfully welcomed her ninth child. Pendo and her family are from western Tanzania and farm rice, maize, and ground nuts on a small scale. The family consumes the harvest and sells some of the surplus to pay some home bills. It is a challenge financially to provide for a large family with small-scale farming. Pendo has clubfoot on her left foot. Clubfoot is a condition where the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and wearing shoes. Fortunately, Pendo's mother traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, where surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on February 14th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Pendo's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk easily. Pendo’s mother says, “I wish my daughter gets better like her older sibling[s] and grows up to have a good life ahead.”

Peter is a young man who lives with his parents and two siblings. Peter loves soccer, and recently graduated from secondary school with hopes of joining the army. Peter's father, a bus driver, is the sole breadwinner for the family of five. In June of 2022, Peter fractured his right leg during a soccer tournament. He received a cast for his injury, but it became apparent that the extent of his injuries are more severe than initially anticipated. Peter's recent x-ray revealed a tibial shaft fracture along the length of the bone between his knee and ankle. Due to his injury, Peter is unable to walk without the help of crutches. As a result, he cannot play soccer, join the army, or work to help support his family. Fortunately, the surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On January 25th, Peter will undergo a procedure to repair to stabilize his leg and repair his fracture, allowing him to heal and walk again without crutches. Now, Peter's family is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Peter says, “I want to serve my country as a soldier. This fracture is dimming my hopes of joining the forces. I can also not play soccer; that is my passion. I need this treatment to be able to use my leg again.”

Song is a loving, 76-year-old grandmother. She has three children and thirteen grandchildren and lives with her husband in a rural province of Cambodia. A devout Buddhist, Song's favorite activity is going to the pagoda in her village and listening to the monks on the radio. A year ago, Song developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her to experience blurry vision and itchiness. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own. When Song learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 5th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Song shared: "I hope I can see more clearly, so I can recognize faces and join ceremonies at our pagoda."

Yean is a mother of five sons, and eleven grandchildren. She lives in Kandal province in Cambodia with her retired husband and their youngest son, a farmer. She enjoys going to the pagoda with villagers on holy days. Six months ago, Yean developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision. She shared that it is difficult to cook for the family because her vision is so bad. When Yean learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On December 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Yean said: "I hope after surgery I can see more clearly, so I can recognize faces and join ceremonies at our pagoda."

Sea is a 72-year-old grandfather from Cambodia. He is married and has one son, two daughters, and 14 grandchildren. He lives with his wife and his youngest daughter, who sells coffee and soft drinks from their house. He used to work as a fisherman, but stopped due to poor eyesight. When he is at home, he likes listening to the monks pray on the radio and watching boxing on television. Three years ago, Sea developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Sea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for an hour and a half seeking treatment. On November 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help raising $253 to fund his procedure and care. Sea shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better, go outside and recognize the faces of my family."

Channa is a 29-year-old husband and father from Cambodia. He and his wife have an eight-year-old daughter in first grade. His wife manages a small grocery store in front of their home, where she sells snacks and drinks. In his free time, Channa enjoys reading the news, watching television, listening to music, and taking care of his daughter. When he was 12 years old, Channa's left leg was burned. Since then, he has experienced problems with the skin behind his kneecap. He has difficulty walking because he has a chronically swollen, open wound that often leaks from his skin contractures. On a recommendation from a local taxi driver, Channa and his family traveled three hours seeking treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Doctors at CSC diagnosed Channa with a chronic ulcerating wound behind his left knee, and a wound debridement and free flap procedure was recommended. This is a reconstructive surgery technique that involves the transfer of skin from one area of the body to another, while maintaining blood supply. After surgery, Channa's wound should heal, and he will no longer experience pain or difficulty walking. Now, Channa needs help raising $991 to fund his procedure and care. Channa shared, "I hope after the operation, I can go back to work to support my family, and I can walk again without pain."

Meet Slai, a 41-year-old man who lives alone, and works as a security guard at night. In June 2020, when Slai was living in Burma, he started to sneeze frequently, and he also developed a constantly runny nose. Additionally, his nose became swollen, and his right nostril became blocked, making it difficult for Slai to breathe through his nose. At the local hospital, he was diagnosed with nasal polyps, and was given medication to treat his condition. However, when he moved to Thailand in January 2022, his symptoms returned, and doctors recommended surgery so he can breathe well again. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help Slai access the treatment that he needs. On January 11th, Slai will undergo surgery to remove the polyps at Mae Sot General Hospital. Slai is looking to you to help raise the $1,500 to cover the cost of this procedure, which will allow him to breathe freely again. Slai said: "After completing my treatment, I want to be legally employed as a worker in Thailand. Driving is my profession, so I want to work as a driver, but I would be happy with any work opportunity.”