“I have abdominal pain and prolonged bleeding. Unfortunately, I have no money for treatment,” shares Kamakune, a 34-year-old small-scale farmer who lives in Uganda. “Because of this condition, I would rather be resting at home, but I can't do that because I have to work and get money to take care of my son and myself.” Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “About two years ago, Kamakune felt a small swelling in the lower abdomen. She went to a health unit, where she was diagnosed with fibroids and was given medicine, which did not help.” Fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are very common—an estimated 80 percent of women have them in their lifetime. They can be very small (invisible to the naked eye) or very large (melon-sized) and can present as a single mass or a cluster of several masses. Treatment for Kamakune is surgery—a total abdominal hysterectomy—to remove her uterus and cervix. $250 pays for Kamakune’s surgery, medicine, and a five-day hospital stay. “After surgery,” says AMHF, “Kamakune will recover fully. She will have an improved quality of life and be relieved of her symptoms. She will be able to concentrate on her farming.” “Thank you for bringing us help,” says Kamakune.

“I would like to be a pilot in the future,” shares Morris, a bright 11-year-old boy from Kenya. Coupled with his career aspirations is a love for mathematics. Morris enjoys attending school and learning from his teachers and peers. Severe headaches and blurry vision have affected Morris’ performance in school lately. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Morris was diagnosed with a brain tumor and “is at high risk of increased intra-cranial pressure, which may cause brain damage or death.” If his condition goes untreated, Morris may lose his vision and face decreased cardiac respiratory function, as well as eventual loss of consciousness. The youngest of six children, Morris lives with his mother and two of his siblings in a single-roomed rental house. AMHF explains, “Morris’ father abandoned the family, taking no responsibility in providing for their needs.” Three of Morris’ older siblings have already fled from home due to harsh living conditions. “Morris’ mother does any work she can get,” but does not earn nearly enough income to raise funds for Morris’ surgical care. With $1,260, we can support Morris by funding a craniotomy—a surgical procedure that involves opening his skull and removing the brain tumor. The funding will also cover labs, medication, imaging and 10 days of hospital care. AMHF expects that, with this treatment, “Morris will be relieved from risks of experiencing high intra-cranial pressure. His risk of becoming visually impaired will also be minimized.” Let’s help fund this life-saving treatment for Morris—hopefully allowing him to resume classes and pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

"I really enjoy playing with the other children in school," Bopha tells us. Meet Bopha! She’s not just a 10-year-old girl from Cambodia, but also a little sister and second grader. Lately, Bopha has missed some school because she is experiencing hearing loss from her left ear and discharge from both ears. Since 2007, Bopha has had chronic otitis media, an infection inside the middle of the ear. This has caused her constant discomfort and, if left untreated, Bopha will suffer from ear pain and hearing loss. With $226, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, will be able to perform a mastoidectomy, which is a type of ear surgery. With this treatment, Bopha will no longer have discharge from her ears and her hearing is likely to improve. Let’s help Bopha get the care she needs so she can continue learning at school!

“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!