“I have to get well for the sake of my children. They have no one else to look up to,” says Catherine, a 41-year-old single mother of two, living in Kenya. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us both of her children and still in school, and she works several jobs -- such as cleaning and cooking -- to provide for them. Catherine was recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids -- growths from the muscles inside the uterus. The fibroids have been causing her severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding for the past year, making it difficult for her to work. “If not treated, Catherine will continue to be in pain and the bleeding may lead to anemia. The fibroids will continue to grow, affecting surrounding body organs,” shares AMHF. Catherine needs a hysterectomy to remove her uterus, and therefore remove the painful fibroids. The surgery will cost $790, which includes surgical and medical expenses, medication, and a five day hospital stay with food. Catherine cannot afford treatment on her own, as she is her family’s sole source of income. After the surgery “Catherine will be able to resume her job and take care of her young family," AMHF adds.

Meet Petna, a quiet, four-year-old girl from Tanzania. “Petna is the second born in a family of three children. She used to be very active and enjoyed playing hide and seek,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). However, due to a lumbar spine tumor on her lower back, Petna has not been able to play or sleep on her back for some time. According to AMHF, last year Petna's mother "noticed a small swelling on her daughter’s lower back.” This swelling continued to grow until this September, when Petna was taken to a local hospital and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, the tumor was not completely removed "and the swelling is back to a big size and it is also infected,” reports AMHF. If not properly treated, Petna will continue to be in pain and face the risk of the swelling bursting, which can cause even more serious complications. Petna’s parents are young and rely on livestock keeping for income. It is difficult for them to come up with $920 for Petna’s operation. With help from Watsi’s donors, however, Petna can receive another operation to properly remove her tumor. She will no longer experience pain or face or other complications down the line. “I feel sorry for my granddaughter because she is in pain all the time,” says Petna’s grandmother. “I long to see her happy again, actively playing with other children.”

Meet 33-year-old Wilson, a married man living in Kenya and a father of two young children. “Wilson used to earn for his family by riding a taxi motorbike” while his wife cares for the children, shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Earlier this year, Wilson fractured his left femur when he was hit by a car while riding his motorbike. “Wilson was taken to the nearest hospital, where he was put on skin traction" and received a plaster cast. This treatment failed to heal his fracture, and "if not operated, Wilson may never be able to use his leg," AMHF adds. Wilson is the sole financial supporter of his family, and his injury prevents him from working. “Wilson’s family is depending on friends and family members for their basic needs, and are therefore unable to raise the money required for this important treatment.” For $1,125, Wilson will receive an open reduction and internal fixation surgery. In this two-part surgery, the bone is first put back in place and then is fixed with an internal device. AMHF expects that Wilson’s leg will heal well after the procedure and he will be able to walk again. “It has been five months of pain and struggle," Wilson shares. "May God help me to see my leg healed and being able to walk again. I pray that soon I will go back to work and support my family.”

“Everyday I feel afraid,” Isabel shares. “I want to heal, and to have more time with my family. We just don’t have the financial resources to afford chemotherapy.” 55-year-old Isabel has cervical cancer. She is a mother of three children and lives in a small home in rural Guatemala. “She told our staff that she has never had a steady job,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Since childhood and adolescence she has worked as a housewife. Her husband is a farmer but he stopped working and supporting her about 10 years ago for undisclosed reasons. Now, she works selling clothing and crafts. Her dream for the future is to have greater success with her business and seek other forms of income for her family. Her favorite activity is attending church with her only brother.” Isabel came to WK after living with uncomfortable symptoms for three years. “She never had the courage or the money to seek care,” WK says. “There is a lot of discrimination against Indigenous people in the public healthcare system.” For $1,430, Isabel will receive chemotherapy to treat her cancer. Not only will she undergo treatment, but she will receive all of WK’s services -- bus transportation from her village to the government hospital, translation while in the hospital, and general case management. “Without assistance, Isabel will be unable to afford the life-saving care she needs,” WK says.