Baraka is a 15-year-old boy who is in fifth grade, and resides with his uncle in Arusha. Seven of Baraka's ten siblings have passed away, as has his mother, after a prolonged bout of ill health. Baraka's father lives in a different region of the country, and has entrusted his care to the uncle, who has six children of his own. When Baraka was a young child, he fell onto a lighted stack of firewood while playing. He sustained severe burns - which were successfully treated - but which have left him with residual scar contractures around his mouth, and on and under his arm. Baraka lived with these contractures for a long time, until he met a neighbor, who told Baraka and his uncle about Plaster House. Baraka's uncle was unable to bring Baraka to Plaster House, so their neighbor, Charles, undertook to do so. Baraka is looking forward to treatment, as the contractures have negatively affected his confidence when he is interacting with other people. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Baraka receive the care that he needs. On August 16th, surgeons will perform burn contracture release surgery, which will enable Baraka to have improved mobility, functionality and appearance. Now, he needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Baraka says: “I desire an improvement in my facial appearance. Right now, I lack confidence in how I look. I hold the hope that this treatment will bring about a substantial transformation in my appearance.”

Daresi shared, "I am seeking help for my treatment to resume my business and support my family." Daresi is a married mother of three children aged 12, 7, and 2. She has a small-scale business selling different items like shoes and earns about $26 per month. Daresi was well until six months ago when she noticed a swelling on the right side of her neck. In October, Daresi's doctor, upon review of her test results and scans, confirmed a diagnosis of goiter and the need for a thyroidectomy, which is the removal of part of the thyroid gland. Goiter is a neck swelling condition resulting from enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes pain and breathlessness that may be life-threatening when not treated.

Madeline is a 36-year-old mother of two from the Philippines. She proudly raises a son and a daughter while working as a dedicated hospital receptionist. Although her income only covers their essential needs, her hard work and determination shine as a testament to her unwavering commitment. In 2010, Madeline began to experience troubling symptoms, including a noticeable lump on her neck. Concerned about the cost of medical expenses, she postponed seeking medical consultation. Unfortunately, her condition gradually worsened over time. She now experiences persistent fatigue and shortness of breath, significantly affecting her ability to perform daily tasks. Increasingly concerned about her deteriorating condition, she finally sought medical attention. She underwent a thorough assessment and a series of laboratory tests. She was diagnosed with colloid adenomatous goiter, a thyroid condition characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) is helping Madeline receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on August 12th. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Madeline's procedure and care. Madeline expressed her gratitude towards Watsi donors and the World Surgical Foundation Philippines for sponsoring her operation. She shared, "I hope for the foundation to continue its long-standing service, helping more patients receive such assistance."

Eh is a 58-year-old father of two from Burma. Eh became unemployed following a motorbike accident that left his leg weakened. He now relies on his wife, who sells betel nuts and noodles for support. During his free time, Eh enjoys weaving bamboo baskets. Eh has been diagnosed with multiple large gallstones. He has enduring intense right-sided abdominal pain, accompanied by back pain and a diminished appetite. Due to the pain, he also faces trouble sleeping at night. Eh has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Eh's symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Eh is scheduled to undergo his cholecystectomy on September 4th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Eh's procedure and care. Eh said, "I stopped working for a year, and I have no income, so I am stressed about my treatment. However, when I learned that BCMF would help me access treatment, I felt very happy. I want to express my gratitude and say thank you to the donors and BCMF for supporting my treatment."

Madelyn is a loving wife and grandmother from the Philippines. She currently lives with her husband and five-year-old grandchild. Ten years ago, Madelyn discovered a lump on her breasts. She had it examined by a healthcare professional and was informed that it appeared to be a fluid-like cyst with a chance to be resolved on its own. Unaware of the potential severity of her condition, she opted to discontinue follow-up checkups. As the years passed, she experienced intermittent, yet tolerable pain. This past March, the pain intensified significantly, accompanied by a palpable mass. These changes alarmed Madelyn to seek medical attention once again. She underwent a thorough assessment and diagnostic tests and was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been suggested to rid her body of breast cancer and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Madelyn receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on May 31st at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising $1058 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Madelyn will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. "We are just relying on my husband's income as a driver, which is barely enough to sustain our needs. On our own, we will not be able to afford my needed treatment", Madelyn shared. "I'll be eternally grateful to Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for helping me!"

Nahashon is a shy three-year-old boy from Nyandarua County, Kenya. His father works as a casual laborer while his mother takes care of Nahashon and his siblings. Nahashon was born with a condition known as Genu Varum, also known as bow legs. His legs curve outward, causing discomfort and pain when walking. Nahashon has a hard time playing with his friends due to this pain. Doctors from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), met Nahashon and his family at a local clinic. After an examination, doctors recommended Nahashon undergo bilateral PTO to correct the bowing in his legs. Nahashon is scheduled for treatment on July 10th at AMH's care center. After the procedure, he will be able to walk without pain. AMH is requesting $1224 to cover the cost of treatment. Nahashon's mother said, “I hope that the surgery will correct his condition and my son continue to walk like other children.”

Bramwel is a 10-year-old boy from Makindu, in Makueni county in Kenya. He lives with his grandmother while his mother works in Nairobi. Because he was born deaf he attends a school that specializes in educating deaf students. Since birth, Bramwel has lived with a clubfoot, which significantly affects his mobility. He walks on tiptoe and falls often. His grandmother brought him to the clinic in Makindu, seeking help for her grandson. With the assistance of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, Bramwel is now scheduled to undergo angular deformity correction surgery on May 8th. This surgery will enable him to walk confidently and continue his studies. Bramwel and his family need your help to fund this $1,224 procedure. “As the grandmother of Bramwel, I would love to see him walk like other children and continue living a normal life. Any help to cater for his surgery will mean a lot to us,” Bramwel’s grandmother told us.

Vortey is an 11-year-old sixth grader who lives in a rural village with her parents and two younger brothers. Her mother runs a juice street cart, and her father is an electrician. In her free time, Vortey likes to play with friends and do art. She wants to attend university and become a doctor when she grows up. Since she was about five years old, Vortey has had a recurring ear infection which caused a cholesteatoma - an abnormal skin growth - to develop behind her ear drum. Because of this, Vortey experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. She has difficulty hearing in school and feels self-conscious around her classmates. Vortey traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to receive treatment. On March 7th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her right ear to remove the cholesteatoma. CSC is requesting $926 to fund this procedure, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Vortey said she is looking forward to improving her hearing so that she has a better future.