Htwe is a 61-year-old man living with his wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece, in a refugee camp in Thailand. His wife and his brother-in-law are day laborers, while his sister-in-law is a homemaker. His niece is a student. Htwe is currently unemployed. Since 2021, Htwe has lived with an incarcerated inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him discomfort when he walks and pain. It is because of his condition that Htwe has been unable to work. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Htwe's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled for October 12th at Mae Sot General Hospital. Once he has recovered, Htwe's symptoms should finally be resolved, allowing him to return to work, and to a more comfortable life. Htwe said: "I want to recover so that I can find work to make money for my family. Now we have a hard time trying to make ends meet, as we do not have a regular income. I am the only one that eats without work. Thank you to all the kind people who are supporting my costs."

James is a 39-year-old father of two young children. His wife stays at home with the children, while James works whenever he can get jobs on construction sites - work that is both inconsistent and poorly paid. On the 10th of August, James was hit by a speeding vehicle when he was on his way to work. He was left seriously injured, and his colleagues rushed him to the hospital, for emergency care. He has been in the hospital for four days, awaiting surgery to repair a fractured tibia. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On August 16th, James will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, at AIC Kijabe Hospital. The procedure will enable him to walk easily again, and to resume working, so that he can continue to support his family. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $979 to fund this procedure and care. James says: “I feel stranded and worried. The accident left me immobile and unable to work. My family entirely depends on me, and I cannot work in this condition. I need surgery to walk and work.”

Phanno is a 33-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie province with his mother, father, and younger brother. His father and mother live in the village pagoda and help the monks cook and clean. His youngest brother is 27 years old and also works as a construction worker. In his free time, Phanno likes to play volleyball and hang out with his friends. In June 2022, Phanno was in a motorbike accident and fractured his tibia and fibula in his left leg. He could not afford treatment at a local clinic and instead visited a Khmer traditional healer. He has not been able to walk without assistance since his accident. Phanno experiences chronic pain and cannot work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On July 19th, Phanno will undergo a fracture repair procedure at CSC's care center. Now, Phanno needs help raising $483 to cover the cost of his treatment. After surgery, Phanno will be able to walk again and return to work. Phanno said, "After surgery, I hope I can walk again and won't have pain. I need to help my parents financially so they can enjoy their life at the pagoda."

Celeste is a 3 month-old infant from Colombia. She was born in Medellín, lives with her parents, grand parents and great grandparents in a little house full of 4 generations. Even though she is so young she is a lovely girl who already smiles and laughs with everyone that comes and tells her she is cute. Celeste has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Celeste's family traveled to visit our Medical Partner Clínica Noel. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on December 18th. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is requesting $1500 to fund Celeste's bilateral clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to learn how to walk properly and without pain as she grows up. Her mother said, "I hope you can help my little princess, since I found out at my pregnancy I have tried to learn about her condition so I can help her not to suffer and recover properly."

Christian is a 24-year-old from the Philippines. He discontinued his studies to help his family with their finances. Currently, they depend on Christian, as well as his brother and his father, who both work in construction. Since birth, Christian has dealt with indirect inguinal hernia. This type of hernia causes him pain and limits his mobility. This also prevents him from engaging in physical activities or sports. Additionally, Christian also noticed that the hernia is growing in size, which worries his family. Fortunately, on May 31st, Christian will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. A portion of the cost of Christian's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $1103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Christian shared, "These limitations caused by my condition frustrate me as I long to contribute to my family's financial stability. Through this surgery, I will be physically fit and will have the chance to land a well-paying job and finally be able to support my family. So to Watsi and the World Surgical Foundation Philippines, thank you!"

Samuel is a toddler from Ethiopia. He is the second child and loves playing with his older brother. He also loves to take milk and Plumpy Nuts, a nutritional treatment donated by the government for malnourishment, as many children in Samuel’s area experience malnutrition. Samuel’s parents separated, and he, along with his siblings, is being cared for by his mother. She works in the community market, which is a community-organized venture that operates one day a week. On the other days, his mother buys and sells bread from bread makers for a profit. Due to the area’s high poverty levels and rocky topography, drought and water shortages limit food production, so many families receive food donations of maize and wheat from the government, which also helps Samuel’s mom support her family. Samuel was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. His mom brought him to a local health center, where he was referred to the hospital. Unfortunately, before treatment could begin, war broke out and forced Samuel and his mother to return home without any treatment. Samuel’s mom has been deeply concerned about his health. However, she was filled with hope after meeting with a social worker from our medical partner’s care center and learning that Samuel’s condition is treatable. With that hope, she traveled three days to the care center for Samuel's surgery. Samuel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Samuel’s mom said, “I hope I will see my child healed and pass urine just like other children.”

Srey Ty is a 27-year-old garment worker from Cambodia. She is divorced and has a 6-year-old daughter. She lives with her parents and daughter in Prey Veng province and works in a local factory to support her daughter and her elderly parents. When she is free, she likes to watch movies or take walks with her daughter. About a month ago, Srey Ty developed a chalazion in her left eye, causing her itchiness, irritation, and redness. A chalazion is an inflamed cyst in a patient's tear gland. It is difficult for her to work and has missed some work days, reducing her income. Srey Ty traveled for three hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On April 28th, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Srey Ty's symptoms should improve. She needs help raising $210 to fund this procedure. She shared: "I hope after surgery my eyelid will no longer be swollen and I won’t worry about it. I can go back to work to support my family."

Joseph is a 37-year-old, hard working man. He is married and a father of two children aged 7 and 2 years old. Joseph does casual work at construction sites, while his wife takes care of their young children. Unfortunately, on Friday, 24th March, as he was going home from work, Joseph was hit by a hit-and-run motorcyclist. An X-ray confirmed that he was injured on the right side of the body and sustained a closed fracture of his right humerus (upper arm bone). Joseph is in pain, and is unable to use his hand for work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On April 6th, Joseph will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. He will heal, no longer be in pain and can resume working. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. Joseph lamented, “I am the only breadwinner of my family; they are all dependent on me. I am begging for help so that soon I can be well to continue supporting my family.”

Samwel is a five-month-old baby from Gilalumpa, Tanzania. He is the youngest child in his family, born into a polygamous family of two wives and eleven children. The family relies on livestock-keeping as their primary livelihood but lack the means to generate sufficient income to cover expenses. They reside in a communal boma or community enclosure consisting of seven small mud huts, each hut divided into two rooms, which accommodate their entire family. Samwel’s mother, Namag, gave birth to him at home, and while the delivery went smoothly, Samwel developed some health issues a few days later. Observing an abnormality in Samwel’s left foot, the family initially took no action as they had no understanding of the condition. When a concerned neighbor noticed his foot, the family sought medical treatment. However, due to their financial situation, the family was unable to afford the necessary care. Fortunately, doctors offering mobile clinic services set up camp near the family's home. Samwel’s parents managed to attend the clinic, where the doctors recommended assistance from Fly Medical Services (FMS) for transportation to Arusha where treatment would be available. Samwel has congenital clubfoot of left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position as the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual. Clubfoot causes difficulty walking and wearing shoes. Samwel's family was able to travel to visit our medical partner's care center, The Plaster House NGO. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 22nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Samwel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Samwel’s quality of life will significantly improve as he grows. The treatment will enable him to walk comfortably, wear shoes, and alleviate any concerns his parents may have about his condition and his future. Samwel’s mother says: “I would like my son to be well. I want him to enjoy long walks with his brother when he grows up.”

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!”