Emanuel is a four-month-old baby boy who is very active. He is the youngest of four children. Emanuel’s parents are both simple farmers, cultivating food and cash crops such as maize, groundnuts, and millet. The family lives in a small house in central Tanzania. When Emanuel was around four months old, his mother noticed that his head was growing at an abnormal rate. Alarmed, she took Emanuel to a nearby hospital, where a doctor diagnosed him with acquired hydrocephalus, or fluid in his brain that was not draining properly. Doctors recommended treatment as soon as possible. On April 24, Emanuel will receive treatment for his condition, which will include surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $728 to cover Emanuel's medical care. While his parents' income goes towards the needs of their children and grandparents, the family was able to set aside $49 for Emanuel's treatment. Emanuel’s mother looks forward to her son's life after treatment, saying, “When Emanuel gets treated, he will attend school when he grows up and become a nurse or a teacher.”

Kyaw Thet is a 14-year-old boy from Burma, where he currently attends school. While riding on his motorbike, he got into an accident. Kyaw Thet sustained a broken leg, external wounds on his legs and the back of his head, and internal injuries. He underwent surgery and followup treatment in two hospitals in Burma. After he was discharged from the hospital, Kyaw Thet still experienced urinary dysfunction. With support from Watsi, Kyaw Thet has undergone several helpful [procedures](https://watsi.org/profile/3890954ea99b-kyaw-thet) to treat his urological condition. However, he is once again experiencing difficulty urinating. Kyaw Thet has been diagnosed with bladder trauma. His doctor has decided to dilate his urethra through a urethrotomy procedure. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Kyaw Thet's procedure on January 25. Kyaw Thet says, "I thought I would not need any more surgeries. I am very sad because it keeps on coming back. I hope this will be the last time. I can't wait to get back to normal life."

Ariel is a 13-year-old boy from the Dominican Republic who lives with his parents and three brothers. He is currently in the seventh grade and aspires to become a farmer, just like both of his parents. Ariel was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. His aorta is abnormally narrow, making it difficult for blood to pass through it. This causes his heart to pump harder to push the blood through, which leads to heart failure. Although Ariel is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. He will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center. First, Ariel will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 15. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Ariel also covers the cost of medications and social support for him and him family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Ariel's surgical care. "I am excited to get my heart fixed so that I can play baseball with the kids in my neighborhood!" says Ariel.

Sergio is a sweet 6-month-old baby boy who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Sergio's family lives in a remote community two hours away from the nearest health center. Fortunately, a Partner for Surgery community health promoter brought tiny Sergio to the center for medical attention. He was 15 days old and weighed only 2.7 pounds. Sergio's family is extremely supportive. They hope he will grow up healthy and strong, but his cleft lip and palate make it impossible for him to nurse properly. Without surgery, Sergio won't be able to get proper nutrition to grow. As he approaches his first birthday, the surgery becomes ever more timely as he learns to speak. The surgery Sergio needs will cost $480. It will enable Sergio to get the proper nutrition he needs to grow into a healthy toddler.