"I just want a healthy baby,” says the mother of Norman, a 22-month-old boy from Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), explains that Norman has epilepsy, a neurological disorder that induces seizures. While an estimated 65 million people in the world have epilepsy, the causes of the condition are largely unknown. Norman began experiencing convulsions when he was only three months old, and now they occur more frequently. WK continues, “Two weeks ago, Norman’s parents ran out of money to buy his anti-seizure medication. His convulsions occurred multiple times. They require a lot of energy and they leave him tired and dazed.” Without treatment, Norman will continue to have seizures—possibly with greater frequency. WK adds, “His brain may suffer damage from the seizures that could have a lasting effect, and as he gets older, it could prevent him from attending school.” Norman’s mother cares for him at home, and she is fearful of him having a seizure when she takes him with her to the market. His father works at a gas station, but he does not earn enough money to pay for Norman’s regular doctor visits and anti-seizure medication. “Norman’s family will struggle to afford his medication,” reports WK. “This will constantly be a burden for them and will also lead to him taking his medication inconsistently.” For $967, Norman will receive medication to control his seizures, lab work to identify other potential health issues, and regular doctor visits to monitor his health. “Norman’s mother will be able to tend to her normal daily tasks without fear that if she looks away her baby will start convulsing,” says WK. When he is feeling well, Norman enjoys playing with his toy cars out in his yard. With the proposed treatment, both Norman and his parents will benefit from a medical support system--diminishing the effects of his condition and giving him the opportunity to enjoy a healthy childhood.

Meet Chai, a very active nine-year-old boy who lives in Thailand with his parents and older brother. He and his brother attend school, and his parents are farm laborers. Chai enjoys playing football despite being born with a malformed right leg and foot. “His right leg is stunted and significantly shorter than his left, and his foot is swollen and clubbed,” explains our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). “He has difficulty walking, and his foot frequently becomes infected.” BBP adds, “If left untreated, Chai will continue to suffer from infections and will likely develop hip problems in the future.” Chai’s parents do not have enough money to pay for treatment for their son. They already find themselves sometimes needing to work extra hours or take loans from their employer to support their family. To prevent future infections and hip joint issues, doctors recommend amputation of Chai’s right leg. $1500 will cover the cost of the surgery as well as travel to and from the hospital, inpatient pre-operative and post-operative care, and follow-up appointments. Chai, who wants be a police officer when he grows up, looks forward to one day being able to wear shoes on both feet with a prosthetic.

“Paddy loves to ride a bicycle that he made and loves to play with cars,” shares our medical partner, the Kellermann Foundation. Paddy is a playful four-year-old boy living with his parents and two older siblings in Uganda. Up until recently, Paddy enjoyed walking every day to school with his siblings. “Since he has fallen ill, he has not been able to attend school,” explains Paddy’s doctors. They continue, “Paddy was diagnosed with a lower respiratory infection, commonly known as pneumonia. The infection has caused him to become feverish, accompanied with a cough and loss of appetite. He does not want to consume any liquids and has lost weight due to dehydration and his lack of appetite.” Without treatment, Paddy’s pneumonia may wreak havoc on his lungs, causing him to experience respiratory issues for the rest of his life. That’s where we come in, Watsi donors! For $90, we can give Paddy the medical care he needs to get back on his feet. His parents told us that they “plan to enroll him in school [once he is healthy again] and hope that he becomes an engineer.” Let’s give Paddy a shot at having the amazingly long, happy and healthy life he deserves!