Meet Seth, a 51-year-old hardworking widow from Kenya. "She is a mother of seven, but one child passed away," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Two of her children work on construction sites, her two younger sons work as casual hands on farms, while her only daughter is a housewife." Seth lives on a small farm, planting maize. Seth began feeling unwell last year, and after her treatment did not improve with medication, AMHF tells us "her children took her to a local hospital where she was diagnosed with fibroids." Fibroids are benign, fibrous tumors that have caused lower back and abdominal pain as well as heavy bleeding. While Seth’s children have subsidized the treatment, they have not been able to raise the full cost of treatment. They still need an additional $290. The surgery required is a total abdominal hysterectomy, which will remove her uterus and cervix to ensure that the fibroids do not return. Seth has been unable to work on her farm full-time due to her condition. AMHF explains that after surgery, "Seth will be able of go back to work on her maize farm and take care of herself." "I like being able to take care of myself," Seth shares. "I do not want to become a burden to my children. Thank you for helping me get treated so that I [can] work on my farm again."

"Bakary is a charming nine-month-old boy who is joyous in the arms of his mother," reports our medical partner in Mali, Project Muso. Bakary was born with a life threatening anorectal malformation, which prevents him from passing stool normally. Fortunately, he received an emergency colostomy to temporarily connect his intestines and his skin. Bakary now needs the second stage of surgery, which will reattach his intestine with a reconstructed anus and allow him to regain full function in his colon. Bakary’s father is a construction worker who only makes enough money to feed his family, and cannot afford the $321 surgery. "Bakary's parents love their children and hope to send them to school to get the kind of education that they never had the opportunity to receive themselves," says Project Muso. "They dream that one day Bakary could grow up to become a doctor, to provide healing to others through his career."

"Since the day I was told I have cancer, life has not been the same," says Hannah. "I am very worried and I hope that Watsi will support me so that I can be treated and be well again. My child needs me and I pray to be well so that I am there for her." Hannah is a 42-year-old mother from Kenya who was diagnosed with cervical cancer several months ago. The first hospital she went to had a list of people awaiting surgery, so Hannah had to seek treatment in another city. She was told she needed a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). Hannah cannot afford the $795 surgery, as she is a laborer for a braiding company. She earns just enough to support herself and to pay for her daughter’s education. Hannah's doctors expect that the TAH will stop the spread of cancer, and will allow her to live cancer-free. She will be able to focus on caring for her daughter and returning to work, and live without the anxiety that accompanies her cancer.

“Hannah was the only hope for our family. Her dream was to become a doctor so that she could help people and our family,” shares Hannah’s father. “I really hope Watsi will help her to undergo this surgery so that she can achieve her dreams.” Hannah is a pretty 14-year-old girl from Kenya who recently finished primary school. Earlier this month, on their way to the secondary school, Hannah and her mom had a tragic accident. Hannah’s mother died instantly and Hannah sustained injuries, including a fractured femur. Hannah is experiencing pain and is unable to walk. The surgeon at the hospital to which Hannah was admitted has recommended that Hannah undergo an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery. “If not treated, Hannah will be unable to walk. The bones may refuse to unite if treatment is delayed for too long,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Hannah's family is still in shock following the death of their mother. The family had to prepare for the funeral as well as pay for Hannah's hospital admission. They are therefore not in a position to pay for this important surgery," explains AMHF. Let’s fund this $1,125 surgery and support Hannah in attending secondary school and achieving her dream of becoming a doctor!