Angelo, a 9-year-old boy, is the fifth of eight siblings. He enjoys playing with his younger sister. Angelo was born with an abnormal condition in a sensitive area. He underwent surgery when he was seven days old, but his family's financial limitations prevented doctors from completing treatment. For this reason, his activities are limited, and he often experiences indigestion and weight loss. Though Angelo finished preschool, his condition has prevented him from enrolling in first grade because school is too far from home. Angelo flew from his rural home to the city of Bacolod to receive treatment. On November 24, Angelo underwent corrective surgery. He will be monitored for two weeks and will undergo a followup surgery several months from now. Angelo's father works as a tenant on a farm, and his mother is a housewife. They cannot afford this $1,500 procedure, and they need our help. "I am so thankful for this opportunity that has come to us," says Angelo's mother. "I never thought that Angelo would be treated because of our financial situation...This has given us hope for Angelo and for his future. I am looking forward to Angelo being fully well, going to school, and fulfilling whatever dreams he has. I know he will have a better future."

Meet Lucy, a 46-year-old woman from Kenya. Lucy is a mother of four children and a grandmother of four more. Since separating with her husband in 2005, she has taken up the role of breadwinner in her family. Lucy washes clothes along with two of her daughters to earn a living. She was unable to continue educating these two daughters. Her other two children are in primary school. Lucy lives in a municipally provided house where she struggles to live a comfortable life with the burden of rent and education costs. In August 2013, Lucy began to experience headaches and swollen feet. She was diagnosed with artery blockage and was given medication in addition to attending clinics between 2013 and 2015. In April 2016, she fell unconscious and was brought to Watsi's medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. There, Lucy was diagnosed with fibroids, or abnormal growths in the uterus and cervix. Lucy was hospitalized for nine days and accumulated a bill that was paid through a ‘harambee’ (fundraising). Her father, who used to follow up on her treatment, was killed in May 2016, leaving Lucy struggling. Lucy continues to combat pain and swelling in her legs, as well as fatigue and migraines. She requires an $800 total abdominal hysterectomy-- a surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. Lucy's family and friends have contributed $104 towards the procedure, but she still cannot access medical care due to her financial constraints. "I want to be well to continue providing for my family and live a healthy life," Lucy says. Let's help her get the medical attention she needs.

Ignatius is a confident, cheerful, nine-year-old boy who likes to run and play football. He is the eldest in a family of four in remote Uganda. He cannot remember when exactly his left leg became weak and gradually bent outwards. Ignatius was born with left genu valgum. Commonly known as "knock-knee", it is a condition in which the knees angle in and touch when one's legs are straightened. As a result of his condition, Ignatius frequently has pain when running. His father tells us that his condition gets worse every year. If his condition is untreated, he could develop early onset osteoarthritis. His parents are not able to afford surgery, as they are small-scale farmers and only earn enough to support Ignatius and his siblings’ basic needs. Ignatius’ legs will be surgically aligned to prevent them from hitting one another when he walks and runs. The surgery plus 14 days in the hospital will cost $429. With this operation, Ignatius will be more mobile and free from pain so that he can concentrate in school. He will also be more easily accepted in his community playing soccer with his peers. “I want to thanks everyone that is supporting my son to get this surgery. May God bless you abundantly," Ignatius' father shares.

12-year old Vicheka is a happy student from Cambodia. However for the last few weeks, she has had difficulty breathing and swallowing. She can't sleep through the night because of the pain in her throat, and has had to miss a lot of school. Our medical partners have established a "clear chronic infection," as the cause of her pain, for which she needs a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy operation. For $225 Vicheka can get the simple surgery she needs to feel better and return to school. Your donation will help get this studious little girl treated and back in class!