Jonathan is a 71-year-old man from Uganda. He has had a hernia for six years that has prevented him from doing the things he enjoys. Jonathan and his wife, Costance, are small farmers and own their own land. They enjoy life with their six grandchildren, going to church, and listening to health and religious programs on the radio. Jonathan particularly enjoys Costance’s cooking and sharing meals with his family. They grow bananas, cassava, and beans but their yields have not been good for the past few years, so he has been unable to save the money for hernia surgery. When he heard the radio announcement that hernia surgery would be offered at Bwindi Community Hospital, he slowly walked the 10 km from his village to register. For $208, Jonathan will undergo this surgery to relieve his painful symptoms. After surgery, Jonathan is looking forward to working in his garden again and tending his goats. He wishes to say “thank you, thank you very much” to all the donors who are helping him.

“I am very grateful to the people helping me," shares 54-year-old George. "May God replace more than they have given.” George just lives two kilometers from the hospital in Uganda, but the pain from his inguinal hernia is so severe that he had to be carried on a stretcher to be admitted. He has had a hernia for about five years, but recently it has gotten much worse and cannot work or even barely walk at home. When he is feeling better, George farms his own land and grows vegetables, including potatoes and cassava. When he gets better, he hopes to add millet to the crops he grows. Then, he can make millet porridge for sale. Georges lives with his brother and sister-in-law who are helping him with his land and taking care of him while he is in the hospital. The one thing that George can still do without too much discomfort is play cards with the other men in the village. He enjoys socializing and it helps him forget his pain. George was able to put $4 towards his surgery. The other $208 will be funded from Watsi donors. “After my surgery, I am feeling very enthusiastic about being able to work again," George says. "I look forward to digging in my garden or doing any other work available."

"Mengistu is very likeable and intelligent," says our medical partner, Ortho FOCOS (OF). "He is currently in stage 1 at a local school and dreams of becoming a doctor!" Eight-year-old Mengistu lives in Ethiopia with his two siblings, father and step-mother. "The family lives in a two room mud house and does not have access to electricity or running water," says OF. Mengistu has kyphosis- an exaggerated rounding of the back. He has trouble standing straight and is developing a hunch back. He walks at a very slow pace. For $1500, OF can correct Mengistu's kyphosis and allow him to live without constant pain and discomfort. He is also expected to regain full mobility. "At such a young age with such a severe deformity, this surgery will save his life," says OF. Let's help make it happen!

Meet Srum, a 40-year-old mother of two from Cambodia. Srum works in a market selling goods, and works hard to keep her home clean for her family. For the past twenty years, Srum has experienced chronic ear discharge and infections. She has chronic otitis media, and is beginning to lose hearing in her left ear. "Her husband worries about her constantly and is worried she will go deaf," says our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). For $810, CSC can perform a mastoidectomy to prevent further discharge and infection. CSC also hopes that the treatment will restore her hearing, and prevent future hearing loss. "Srum is looking forward to being able to hear everyone who is speaking to her," says CSC. Let's help make it happen, and fund this important treatment!

Many years ago, 66-year-old Wenceslao lost his right arm below the elbow in an explosion. He received a functioning prosthetic arm decades ago, but it has since stopped functioning and has become ill-fitting. Now, his prosthetic arm causes more pain than it provides utility. Wenceslao hopes to be fitted for a new, fully functioning prosthetic arm that will allow him to get back to work and do chores around the house again. For $940, we can help Wenceslao get fitted for a replacement prosthetic allowing him to return to his work.

Many years ago, 61-year-old Abel lost his right arm below the elbow in an explosion. Abel received a prosthetic device to replace his arm, but due to changes in his body, the device does not work anymore, causing significant chafing and discomfort. Abel hopes that with a new fitting of a prosthetic, he will be able to use his arm again. Because of its partnership with Watsi, our medical partner in Guatemala has been able to reach patients in remote areas like the one Abel comes from and provide the specialty care that patients like him need. Wuqu’ Kawoq thanks Watsi supporters for “expanding their services” which they say "would not happen without Watsi.” For $940, we can continue expanding access to healthcare by funding a replacement prosthetic arm for Abel and allowing him to use his arm again!

Leon lost his right arm in an accident over 20 years ago, and has never had the opportunity to be evaluated for a prosthesis until now. An independent subsistence farmer, Leon and his family live off of the food he produces. They have no cash income. While Leon has been steadfast in his determination to provide for his family, regaining the use of his arm would significantly increase his ability to do so. For $940, we can equip Leon with a prosthetic right arm. Leon told our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, that he is excited to learn how to swing a machete with his new arm. Let's help Leon improve his financial stability by helping him to be more productive!