Neiyeyo is a five-year-old girl from Tanzania who “used to be very active and liked to compete with other children,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). However, after an accident that left her with burns in her groin area, Neiyeyo has lost some of her mobility. “One day, Neiyeyo was fighting over a ball with a friend,” says AMHF. “Each one wanted to have the ball so they were pulling each other.” As a result, Neiyeyo was mistakenly pushed over and fell onto a pot of hot porridge, splashing the contents over her groin area and lower abdomen. Neiyeyo is a previous Watsi patient who underwent surgery in October 2015 to treat the burns sustained in her accident. “After her first surgery Neiyeyo is showing great improvement, but when she came for follow-up the doctors saw there is more that can be done to make Neiyeyo walk even better and have greater flexibility of her lower limbs,” reports AMHF. Neiyeyo still has burn contractures—or areas where the skin tightens after a serious burn—around her groin area. She requires contracture release surgery, a $550 procedure that will increase the amount of tissue over the scarred area and thereby increase Neiyeyo’s range of motion. “Her parents, who are livestock keepers and small scale farmers, have done the best to help their daughter and now they cannot raise enough cash to cover the cost of operation which Neiyeyo needs,” says AMHF. “My daughter has shown great improvement and I will be happier if her lower limbs can be more flexible,” says Neiyeyo’s mother. Let’s help fund Neiyeyo’s final surgery!

This is Isaya, a 22-month-old boy from a loving family in Tanzania. His mother stays at home with him while his father sells secondhand clothes and sandals locally. Despite being born with multiple deformities, “Isaya is a happy and friendly little baby boy,” according to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “He is able to sit, crawl, and he enjoys playing with toys that make sound.” Previously, Isaya had his right leg amputated below the knee due to a birth defect. However, AMHF reports that recently, “there is new growth of the bone which needs to be re—amputated.” An abnormally long bone growth can lead to osteomyelitis (infection in the bone) or even a chronic wound ulcer. If left untreated, the bone infection can spread to nearby tissue through the bloodstream. With $1,035 in funding, Isaya will receive the amputation surgery he requires as well as a strong regimen of intravenous antibiotics with hospital respite. With this medical treatment, AMHF shares that Isaya will grow up in good health without fear of chronic ulcers or osteomyelitis. AMHF hopes that later on, he will also be able to use a prosthetic limb. “Isaya’s parents love their son dearly and want the best for him,” shares AMHF. They hope he will be able to go to school when the time comes.

Tariku is a ten-month-old little boy from Ethiopia. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), introduces Tariku: “Tariku is very active and loves to play and laugh with his parents. He is a beautiful baby. Unfortunately, Tariku was born with an anorectal malformation. An anorectal malformation is a congenital birth defect in which the rectum develops abnormally, making bowel movements difficult and often putting the patient at risk for spinal or heart complications as well. Depending on the severity of the malformation, emergency colostomies are sometimes necessary to avoid a bowel obstruction. This was the case with Tariku, who received his colostomy bag at just three days old. Since then he has been unable to independently pass stool, and is likely to undergo further colostomy complications such as leakages, infections, or obstruction if his condition is not addressed. Furthermore, Ethiopia, Tariku’s home, is located in a region whose weather patterns are significantly affected by El Niño; the country is currently experiencing its worst drought in 50 years. Tariku’s family is one of the many who are having difficulty harvesting crops during the drought. Subsequently, with already limited finances, they are unable to afford further treatment for Tariku. “His father and I don’t have the money to cover our son’s expenses,” Tariku’s mother shares. “I hope I will see my baby’s condition treated and see him be healthy.” Tariku needs a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty to surgically reposition his rectum and anus and allow for regular bowel movements. While Tariku recovers from the anorectoplasty, another colostomy opening will be created. Then, two to three months later a colostomy closure will be done to complete the process. With $1,500, this will be possible for Tariku. The funds will also include his antibiotics, imaging, and inpatient stay. After his recovery, Tariku is expected to be able to independently pass stool and live a normal and healthy childhood.

Meet 43-year-old Tach from Cambodia. Married and a mother to one son, Tach is busy at home but also works as a farmer. In her free time she likes to sell items at home, watch Thai movies on TV, and cook food for her family. In December of 2015, Tach fell and fractured her left forearm. After the accident, she sought treatment at a private clinic but ran out of money to cover her expenses after three months. Tach was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), who shares, "Our doctors discovered that Tach still has elbow and wrist stiffness and limited flexion/extension of the thumb, index, and pinkie finger of her left arm." Without full use of her left hand, Tach has difficulty working and taking care of her family. For $405, Tach will receive an open reduction and internal fixation surgery. Doctors will make an incision to open up the areas around Tach's broken bones and proceed to realign and secure the bones with metal plates. She will also receive x-rays, physiotherapy, and a week-long stay in the hospital to ensure proper recovery. “After surgery Tach will regain mobility of her left hand and arm,” reports CSC. “I hope I can use my hand again,” says Tach. “When I am healed I will go home and continue my work."

This is Saidi, a 53-year-old father of four from Malawi. Saidi works as a small vendor in a local market to support his family. Saidi woke up one morning in January unable to pass urine. He told our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, that he rushed to the clinic as he “didn’t really know what was happening” to him. Upon seeing a doctor, Saidi was diagnosed with a benign prostate hyperplasia. That means his prostate became enlarged, and stopped him from urinating normally. Saidi was put on a catheter, and has been living with it for nearly two months. It’s uncomfortable and inconvenient. Fortunately, his condition can be treated permanently with surgery. Saidi is unable to afford the $742 surgery cost, but we can help. A successful surgery will allow him to lead a normal life once again.