Wendy is a 10-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives in a rural area several hours away from La Paz. She lives with both her parents who are both shepherds. She enjoys school, especially her language classes, and likes taking care of her two family dogs. Wendy has a cardiac condition called Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Wendy has two holes in and near her heart: one between the two upper chambers, and another between two major blood vessels next to her heart. These leave her weak and can lead to heart failure over time. On September 20th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, Surgeons will sew both of the holes closed so that blood can circulate normally through her heart and body. Wendy's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Wendy's mother shared, "Our family has been very worried to see Wendy having trouble breathing, and we are so happy that her heart will soon be healthy!"

Nash is a six-year-old boy from Haiti. He lives in Port-au-Prince with his mother and younger sister. He is in the first grade and likes art and music. Nash has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several conditions in the heart including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These conditions deprive his body of oxygen, leaving him weak, and short of breath. Nash will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On August 22nd, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will close the hole in his heart with a patch, and remove the blockage from his valve. Another organization, Akron Children's Hospital, is contributing $10,000 to pay for surgery. Nash's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and checkup and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing passports for the family and travel for the social workers from our medical partner who will accompany Nash's family overseas. Nash's mother says, "Our family is so happy to finally have this chance after waiting so long!"

Lina is a stay-at-home mother from the Philippines. She lives with her husband who works as a security guard, her only child who is in college, and her brother who works at a nearby salon. Her husband earns minimum wage which is barely enough for the their bills and expenses especially since their son is in college. Most of their monthly budget goes to basic needs and their son's school expenses. Four years ago, Lina began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain which affected her back. Due to the pandemic four years ago, she could only visit a private clinic to consult. She was diagnosed with gallstones and was given painkillers to manage the pain. Four years later, she is still suffering from pain attacks. Lina has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Lina is scheduled to undergo surgery on July 13th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Lina's surgery and care. Lina said, "Thank you to everyone who will help me for my treatment and operation. For the past years, I wanted to work and help my husband financially but cannot do so because of my condition. This surgery will allow me to be economically productive so your help will go a long way not just for my but also for my family. Thank you very much."

Biyana is a toddler from Ethiopia who loves to play with his mom and other children. He loves to play with balls and toy cars. His mom is a daily laborer who washes clothes for a living. She is a single mom who works hard to support her mother and Biyana. Biyana was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His mother knew about his condition at birth and was informed that surgery could be done when the child was seven years old. However, she later heard that kids as young as Biyana were going to Addis Ababa, the capital city, for treatment. After securing support for transportation, Biyana was brought to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. There, doctors confirmed Biyana's condition and scheduled him for surgery. Fortunately, Biyana is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 18th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. The surgery will relieve Biyana of discomfort and pain, and reduce the risk of future health complications. Biyana's mother said, “After the surgery, we hope he will be healthy and grow up like other children.”

Jean is a 30-year-old man from Haiti. He lives in Port-au-Prince with his sister and her family. Before becoming too ill to work, he drove a motorcycle taxi. Jean has a cardiac condition called aortic aneurysm, where part of the wall of his aorta has become weakened and is bulging into the blood vessel, limiting the circulation of blood through his body and putting him at risk of death if it ruptures. Jean will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On May 23rd, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will use a catheter to insert a stent into the weakened portion of his aorta, expanding it back to a normal size and eliminating the risk of a rupture. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $20,000 to pay for surgery. Jean's family needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover lab tests, medicines, check-ups, and follow-up appointments. This will also support passport and other travel documents for the social workers who will accompany Jean's family overseas. Jean shared, "I have been very frightened for my life ever since I learned of my heart problem. I feel so blessed to be able to have this surgery!"

Edina, a 41-year-old mother of seven, works as a vegetable seller, earning about $2.97 per day for her family's upkeep. She finds joy interacting with her customers and has a fondness for chicken and nsima, a Malawian staple porridge made from maize flour. Four years ago, Edina discovered a small, painless swelling on the right side of her neck. After seeking medical advice at a nearby hospital, she was diagnosed with goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. She was instructed to wait for an opportunity for surgery, but her condition has worsened, causing breathlessness, neck pain, and difficulty lifting heavy objects. This has affected her work capacity and resulted in a decrease in income. Inspired by a fellow community member's journey to seek help, Edina visited our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Centre, where a surgeon reconfirmed the need for a thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland. Faced with financial hardships, Edina is seeking support for her surgery treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edina receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at PIH will perform a thyroidectomy to relieve her symptoms and help her resume her vegetable business at full capacity. Now, Edina needs help to fund this $1,015 procedure. Edina says, “I feel so fortunate to get the opportunity for support. Thank you so much, I believe surgery will help me get back to normal life."

Oliver is a married mother of four children, all of whom are married with children except the last one who is still in school. She is a farmer together with her husband. Her second child, a daughter, has been there for her support throughout her illness. Oliver likes chatting with her daughter and enjoys eating nsima made from cassava maize flour served with fresh fish. Oliver was well until one year ago when she noted a small lump on her right breast that was not painful. She visited her nearest hospital where some pain medication was provided. She visited many other hospitals after noting that the growth was becoming bigger as time passed. At one of the hospitals, a diagnosis of suspected breast cancer was made before proceeding to Kamuzu Central Hospital for further assessments. At Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), different tests were done, and a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma was made followed by four cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. Oliver was later scheduled for surgery on January 15th this year but unfortunately, she did not report back since she did not have the funds. On January 29th, Oliver went back to KCH where she was referred to our medical partner's care center Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH) so that she can undergo surgery more urgently. Of late, Oliver has been experiencing needle pricking pains, and weakness affecting her farm work plus household chores as a mother. On January 30th, Oliver reported to PIH and met the surgeon who confirmed the need for a modified radical mastectomy. Modified radical mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple, areola, and skin plus most axillary lymph nodes. Oliver believes the surgical operation will help her get back home in a good condition and enable her to resume her farm work. Oliver said, “Kindly remove this breast for me to have my peace of mind after getting rid of these bad symptoms that I experience, I would rather be able to move on in my age.”

Cristina lives with her mother, a food vendor; her father, a construction worker; and eight older brothers and sisters in a neighborhood of La Paz, Bolivia. As a small baby, she struggled to breathe normally, and so her mother took her to the children's hospital where she was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect, a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart. Cristina also has Down syndrome. During surgery, doctors will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Christina needs your help to raise $1,500 to pay for her heart surgery. Her mother says, "Our family is so grateful to know that there is a way to fix our daughter's heart so that she can breathe normally."

Evania is a two-year-old toddler from Bolivia. She is the second child in her family who live in La Paz. Her father is a construction foreman and her mother is an administrative assistant for the construction company. Soon after she was born, her pediatrician detected a heart murmur, and a cardiologist diagnosed her with two cardiac conditions. One is a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart, and another hole between two major blood vessels near her heart. Evania also has Down syndrome. It is recommended to have surgery to repairs these holes in her heart. Our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund Evania's surgery. During surgery, doctors will sew both holes closed so that blood can no longer leak through them. After surgery Evania will have improved circulation and more ability to be active. Evania's mother shared: "Our family is so thankful that Evania has been chosen for this surgery and we are praying that all will go well!"

Sarin is a 53-year-old single woman who lives in Phnom Penh province and is the primary caregiver for her elderly parents. She has five living siblings (sadly, two of her siblings died young) who help to support her and her parents. Most of her day is taken up with caring for her parents, cooking, and cleaning. In the evenings, Sarin likes to practice dhamma - a form of Buddhist meditation - as well as listen to the village monks pray on the local radio station. For many years, Sarin had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. If untreated, a cholesteatoma can cause erosion of the three small bones located in the middle ear, resulting in nerve deterioration, imbalance, vertigo, and deafness. It can also affect and erode, through the enzymes it produces, the thin bone structure that isolates the top of the ear from the brain, risking further infection with serious complications. Sarin's cholesteatoma has caused her many problems. She suffers ear discharge, headaches, and a gradual loss of hearing. It is difficult for her to communicate with her family and other villagers, and she is embarrassed that she cannot hear well. She visited several hospitals seeking care but could not afford to pay for surgery. One of the hospitals suggested she visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Sarin traveled to CSC and, after examination, learned that she will be able to receive treatment. On October 17, the ENT surgeons at CSC will remove the cholesteatoma by performing a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. CSC is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sarin said: "I hopeful that this operation will improve my hearing and prevent a brain infection."

Lin is a 24-year-old day laborer who lives with his mother - who is a seamstress - in Thailand. During his free time, Lin enjoys playing cane ball with his friends. In June, Lin was involved in a motorbike accident that caused the fracture of his right femur shaft. He underwent emergency surgery, but in September 2023, he slipped and fell, causing the internal fixator attached to his fractured femur to dislodge. As a result, he experiences pain and swelling in his right leg, particularly in his thigh, and he is unable to walk. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Lin will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and to ensure that everything heals properly. This procedure is scheduled for October 6th at Mae Sot General Hospital, and will cost $1,500. Lin needs your help to fund this surgery, which will alleviate his pain and enable him to walk easily again. Lin said: "I want to thank you Watsi and all the donors for helping me receive this expensive surgery. After this surgery, I will certainly be more cautious. Once I recover, I want to work again to support my mother. I want to repay your kindness. I will always remember your help."

Kaleb is the only child of his mother and father; they live in La Paz, Bolivia. His father works in construction and his mother is a homemaker. Kaleb was born two months premature with a ventricular septal defect, or a hole between the two lower chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving the lungs unable to obtain oxygen. This leaves Kaleb weak and short of breath, and making it hard for him to gain weight. Last year Kaleb underwent a surgery to prepare him for the one he currently needs. It stabilized his heart so he could gain some weight in order to safely have the congenital cardiac surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is able to help with his upcoming procedure. Kaleb and his family need help raising $1,500 for his surgery that will take place September 14th. Kaleb’s mother says “Our son has been in and out of the hospital and very sick ever since he was born. We hope he will have a chance to be a normal child after his surgery."