Benita is a 55-year-old mother of four who stays home and cares for her grandchildren while her children are at work. She prepares meals for the whole family and does chores. She lives in the Philippines. After the birth of her fourth child, Benita experienced difficulty swallowing and a heavy feeling in her chest. She avoided seeking care because she knew the cost would be a burden on her family. Over time, her condition has gotten worse, and she now has a lump on her neck that is tender and painful. She has had this condition for six years. After a series of lab tests, Benita was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, a thyroid condition in which the gland is swollen and produces excess hormones. She needs surgery to remove her thyroid gland and prevent her symptoms from getting worse. The cost of Benita's surgery, scheduled for February 8, is $1,500. Her husband works as a farm laborer and cannot afford this procedure, so they are seeking help from Watsi. "I really don't deserve this kind of blessing, but I am very grateful that I was given a privilege to be treated," Benita says. "Though we are not that rich, the simple joy and happiness given by my family, especially my grandchildren, are more than enough for a lifetime. This gift was just a bonus in my life, and I am thankful that you are giving me a chance to enjoy life more."

Meet Abelino, a seven-year-old boy who lives with his family in rural Guatemala. When Abelino was one year old, he got very sick and started having seizures. Abelino has developmental delays, and he is unable to walk on his own. His mother straps him to her back and carries him around all day. While she loves having her son nearby, it is becoming more difficult for her to carry him. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is requesting $1,034 to purchase a wheelchair for Abelino. His parents are also asking for help so that they can "keep carrying Abelino forward." Abelino will receive the wheelchair on February 26. With a wheelchair, Abelino will be able to travel to his doctor's appointments more easily. He will also have the chance to fully participate in his family and community life.

Astania lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and has three older brothers and one older sister. Her father works in construction. Her mother normally sells rice in the marketplace, but has stopped in order to care for Astania. Astania was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her severely fatigued. In February of 2016, Astania underwent a procedure to stabilize her heart and allow it to grow larger, so that a complete repair could be attempted later with lower risk. Astania will undergo a second surgery soon to completely fix her heart defect. First, Astania will undergo a full cardiac assessment on January 19. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Astania also covers the cost of medications and social support for her and her family. Gift of Life International is contributing $3,500 to cover additional costs associated with Astania's surgical care. "We are so happy," said Astania's mother, "that after this surgery Astania will be a normal healthy child!"