Samol is a 49-year-old mother of one. She and her husband are proud of their daughter, who is currently a student in high school. Her husband is a taxi driver in the capital of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. When not cooking or caring for her family, she likes to watch Khmer movies on TV. Six months ago, Samol developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Samol learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 17th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract procedure and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. "I hope after surgery I can see clearly again. I want to take better care of my daughter and my husband," Samol told us.

Tiny is a 29-year-old policeman. He's married and has a son and a daughter. His wife is an office worker in a construction material shop, and his children are students in a local public school. When he has free time, Tiny enjoys playing football with his friends. One year ago, Tiny developed a pterygium in his right eye. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, Tiny experiences irritation and burning and feels insecure about his eye. When Tiny learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 18th, Tiny will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. CSC is requesting $216 to fund the total cost of his procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Tiny shared, "After surgery, I hope my eye looks and feels better, and doesn't look so irritated. Having better vision will help me do my job better."

Ry is a 61-year-old rice and vegetable farmer. He has two sons, four daughters, and five grandchildren. He lives with his wife who helps him run the farm, and his youngest son who is still a student. In the evenings, after a long day outside, he enjoys listening to the news on the radio in the evenings. Six months ago, Ry developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing in bright or dim light, and finds planting rice difficult as well. When Ry learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and half hours seeking treatment. On January 11th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Ry shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see clearly. I can go back to the farm field and can go outside without problems."

Jaden is a one-year old boy from the Philippines. His mother is a public school teacher, while his father is an office clerk. They work hard, but their income is not enough to support their son's medical needs. Jaden was born with an anorectal malformation, a birth condition that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction and help him grow up healthy. Jaden is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on January 28th. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is requesting $1,279 to cover the total cost of Jaden's procedure and care. After his recovery, Jaden will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. "Thank you WATSI and WSFP. His operation would be a big help towards his growth and our financial situation," Jaden's mother shared.

Tuhangirire is a 53-year-old mother of two children. She shared that she works at a nearby tea farm where the employees are paid very little to meet all of their daily needs. For two years, Tuhangirire has been experiencing symptoms like lower abdominal pain, bleeding, and backaches. She has been diagnosed with bilateral large ovarian cysts and the condition has affected her work. She gets easily tired and has difficulty sleeping. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $219 to fund Tuhangirire's surgery. On June 9th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH's care center. Once recovered, Tuhangirire will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Tuhangirire shared, “I hope that when I am operated on, I will be relieved from pain and will do my activities with ease.”

Jayden is an active, curious 9-month-old baby. He is the only child in his family. His father is a laborer in a construction site, but work is hard to come by due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, his mother found a job as teacher in a private school but also lost her job as a consequence of the pandemic. The family currently lives in a rented house on the outskirts of Nairobi. When Jayden was born, his mother noticed that he was not passing urine properly. Before they were discharged home from the hospital, she shared her concern with the doctor who assured her that it was only a temporary condition. Despite the assurance from the doctor, she still had her own doubts. Five months later, there was no improvements in how Jayden was passing urine. So she took him to a local facility for examination and the doctor diagnosed him with hypospadias, or urinary dysfunction, and Jayden was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Hospital, for treatment. Upon arrival, he was examined again and the doctor scheduled him for a hypospadias repair surgery. Jayden's parents have National Health Insurance (NHIF), but their request for coverage was rejected. The hospital's social worker then referred their family to Watsi to get help for his treatment. Jayden is now scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 28th to address his uncomfortable symptoms and possible future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $735 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Jayden’s mother shares her concern, “It was a hard time for us when NHIF rejected our request. We had started to learn to live with the fact that Jayden may stay for a long time before he could be treated as we are not financially stable.”