Shem is a ten-year-old student from Kenya who aspires to be an engineer. Since his mother left for Dubai in search of work, he and his younger sister have been living with his grandparents. Shem's father is unknown, and left their family several years ago. For about three years, Shem has been experiencing abdominal pain. Sometimes pain relievers are able to help, but he has developed a bent posture to cope with the pain. While giving him a bath, his grandmother noticed that both of Shem's testis were missing in the scrotal sac. Doctors at the local hospital confirmed that he has undescended testis, which is causing him the abdominal pain. He needs surgery to move his undescended testis to their correct place, otherwise he may develop a hernia or even testicular cancer. Shem’s mother is not yet settled in Dubai, and therefore she is not able to raise the funds required for his surgical care. His grandparents are subsistence farmers with no external income. $570 will pay for Shem's surgery, as well as his medical supplies and hospital stay. His family needs assistance to cover these costs. After his procedure, Shem will be able to return home to his family and lead a normal happy childhood. "If I had not heard of the willingness of Watsi to help and love, I would have lost hope for having my nephew treated," says Shem's aunt. "Luckily, Watsi has come to our aid and I am touched."

Antony is a 44-year-old man who has been diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a bone infection, after a road accident in 2007. He is a father to two children, and separated from his wife in 2009. He has since moved back to his rural home in Kenya. In January of 2007, Antony was in a road accident and suffered multiple injuries. Since then, he had been to various hospitals, and had several surgeries, all in an attempt to improve his health. In our hospital partner's facility, Antony has had several surgeries on his left leg. He has used all his savings, as he has not had any meaningful source of income since his accident. Antony has even conducted several harambees, which are events held to raise funds, to help clear his medical bills. Antony's last surgery was in January of 2016, and he is in need of financial assistance to access further medical treatment. If not treated Antony may not be able to walk well again. There is possibility of severe infection that may result in amputation. $1,500 will cover the cost of of bone transport surgery to cure Antony's osteomyelitis. Portions of the bone that are infected will be removed, with the empty space being filled by bone or tissue from a different area to restore blood flow. After recovery, Antony will be able to continue working and live his life without the possibility of amputation. “I want to be well to earn a living for myself," he shares. "[I want to] write a book on experiences with broken limbs."

76-year-old Ruth is a mother of five from Tanzania. Her husband passed away and she currently lives with one of her children. She is a farmer in her small land, providing for her daily upkeep. Ruth began losing her hearing in 2014, but has not had any treatment yet. She was advised to get hearing aids for her case but is unable to raise the amount needed. Ruth recently had hip replacement surgery, which has further constrained her finances. She also has regular hospital visits for diabetes. For $712, we can provide Ruth with hearing aids, allowing her to interact with her children more fully. “I want to have improved hearing to be able to communicate well," Ruth shares.

Samchai is a 36-year-old farmer. He is married and spends his time at home cooking and planting vegetables. He traveled three hours with his wife to reach Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. Samchai was in a moto accident two years ago. He didn't receive any treatment, he just took pain killers and steroids at home. Recently his hip has become so painful that he has had to stop working because it is difficult for him to walk. Children's Surgical Centre diagnosed him with necrosis of the right femoral neck bone. He requires a total hip replacement on the right side so he can walk again without pain. For $430, surgeons will perform a right side hip replacement surgery. "When I am healed I will go home and go back to working again," shares Samchai.

Feckson is a 55-year-old farmer living in Malawi with his wife and four children. He works as a small-scale farmer to support his family. Eight years ago, Feckson started experiencing urinary hesitancy. He visited our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, and was found with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. His symptoms worsened such that he was unable to pass urine, and had a catheter placed. Feckson had to stop working, and was unable to afford further treatment. For $742, Feckson can have the prostate resection surgery he needs. The surgery would alleviate the strain on his urethra and bladder to allow urine to pass more easily. The total cost will cover the procedure, supplies, medications, and three days of inpatient care. It is expected that Feckson will make a complete recovery after surgery, and will be able to discontinue use of his catheter. "I look forward to leading a normal life again, without the catheter," he shares.