Lim is a 53-year-old woman from Cambodia. She has one son and three daughters. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and relaxing at home when she is not working. About two years ago, she was in a car accident that caused a hip dislocation. She had the dislocation treated, but doctors discovered that she has osteoarthritis of the hip, which causes her chronic pain. She has difficulty walking on her own. She needs an arthroplasty procedure to help her regain her mobility. Fortunately, Lim is scheduled to undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center on March 14. She needs help raising $497 to fund this procedure. She looks forward to being able to walk without pain after surgery. She says, "I hope I can move without pain and return to work soon."

Abner is a four-month-old baby boy from Guatemala's rural highlands. While his father works as a day laborer, his mother stays at home to take care of the family and sell hand-woven textiles. Abner is the fifth child in his family. Because Abner's mother cannot produce breastmilk, Abner is already malnourished. Underweight and small for his age, Abner often cries from hunger. His mother can only afford warm sugar water to soothe him, however this diet has dangerous implications for Abner’s health. Lactation failure can lead to starvation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances that can cause seizures and compromise brain development. To help his condition, Abner requires a formal nutrition plan, which he is scheduled to receive on June 9. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $1,162 to fund formula, nutrient supplements, and health education for Abner's mother that will teach her how to provide a nutritious, inexpensive diet for her son and monitor Abner's health. With this treatment, Abner’s immune system will strengthen, and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby.

Benita is a 55-year-old mother of four who stays home and cares for her grandchildren while her children are at work. She prepares meals for the whole family and does chores. She lives in the Philippines. After the birth of her fourth child, Benita experienced difficulty swallowing and a heavy feeling in her chest. She avoided seeking care because she knew the cost would be a burden on her family. Over time, her condition has gotten worse, and she now has a lump on her neck that is tender and painful. She has had this condition for six years. After a series of lab tests, Benita was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, a thyroid condition in which the gland is swollen and produces excess hormones. She needs surgery to remove her thyroid gland and prevent her symptoms from getting worse. The cost of Benita's surgery, scheduled for February 8, is $1,500. Her husband works as a farm laborer and cannot afford this procedure, so they are seeking help from Watsi. "I really don't deserve this kind of blessing, but I am very grateful that I was given a privilege to be treated," Benita says. "Though we are not that rich, the simple joy and happiness given by my family, especially my grandchildren, are more than enough for a lifetime. This gift was just a bonus in my life, and I am thankful that you are giving me a chance to enjoy life more."