Jorge is a 13-year-old boy who lives in Bolivia. He is in seventh grade and likes to study art and psychology. Jorge was born with a congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and unable to exert himself. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, can help heal his condition. Jorge is scheduled for surgery on September 11. He will need to fly from his hometown to another city in Bolivia for the treatment. During the surgery, doctors will sew a patch over the hole in Jorge's heart to close it and prevent the blood from leaking. Jorge's family needs your help raising $1,500 to fund his cardiac treatment. He hopes that after the surgery he will be able to have a more active life. Jorge said: "I am hopeful that after this surgery I will start getting stronger and will be able to play soccer."

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."

Michael is a day laborer from Kenya. He is the only child to his single mother. He works as a mechanic. On January 20, Michael was involved in a motorbike accident. He sustained a closed fracture of his left clavicle bone and bruises on his face. He is in pain and is not able to use his left hand easily. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 28, Michael will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $998 to fund this procedure. “I am still young and was hoping to have my own family soon. I kindly seek for help so that I can get back to my work and plan to have my own family,” says Michael.

"It's a desire of every mother to see our children be in good health and happy and to feel accepted in the community, especially by their fellow children," Jon Michelangelo's mother says of her ten-year-old son. Jon lives with his family in the Philippines and was born with a congenital digestive tract malformation, which makes it difficult for him to go to the bathroom normally. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), shares, "Jon felt ashamed of his condition. In fact, right now he [has] stopped schooling because his classmates don't want to mingle with him." Jon should be in grade five but has missed a year of schooling because he says the anal malformation makes him feel alone. Despite the setbacks at school, Jon comes from a loving and supportive family. He shares, "I love my family very much, especially my siblings." ICM also points out that "his mother made an effort to pay more attention on Jon Michel to build his self esteem and confidence." As the sole-provider for her family, Jon's mother cannot afford the cost of his surgery. For $965, Jon will receive an operation to repair his intestine and colon so that he can eliminate waste without needing a colostomy. This surgery will allow Jon to return to school with confidence. Jon's mother says, "I am very grateful to know that there are people who have the heart to help the unfortunate like us. I am hoping that my son will be given a chance to live a normal life like other children."

This is Chanty. He is a nine-year-old boy from a big family with four sisters and two brothers and loves eating sweets. Who doesn’t like eating sweets? Unfortunately, Chanty took a tumble when he was two and dislocated his knee. Now, years later, he is a third grader and still has trouble walking. Because his knee did not heal properly, the surrounding muscle became tight causing him pain and decreasing mobility. Lets help Chanty get back in stride for $225, which will pay for the surgery and physical therapy needed to release the muscle and help him regain full mobility. What a sweet deal!

John is an eight-year-old boy with a bright future ahead of him. After losing his parents, John and his sister were placed in an orphanage. It was in the orphanage that his current caregiver, Maureen, noticed that John's knees were growing inward. John has a condition commonly called "knock knees." John's legs cause him pain and limping, but a simple surgery will straighten his legs and relieve his pain. With his right knee surgery already completed, John is half way on his journey towards straight legs. Now he needs treatment of his left knee. The surgery will cost $1,000 and it will be his last step in the journey towards a disability free life!

Kishor is an ambitious and adorable 5 year-old boy from Nepal. Kishor, who lives with his mother and older brother, is a kindergarten student who is already excelling in school. In fact, a selective scholarship program sponsors his education. Like most kids his age, Kishor loves playing with toys. He also likes to visit his mother at the District Office, where she works. Even though he is only 5, Kishor has big plans for his future! He wants to become a doctor or an officer where his mother works. Kishor has undescended testes, a condition that may lead him to be infertile and unable to have children. Furthermore, this condition could lead to carcinoma if untreated. Kishor’s medical treatment, corrective surgery, costs $1,010 dollars. This procedure will allow Kishor to lead a healthy, normal life, and give him the opportunity to have a family of his own in the future!

Rosa lives in a small village in a remote part of Guatemala. She is indigenous Guatemalan and speaks only the local Mayan language, Q’anjob’al Maya. With 80% of indigenous Guatemalans living in poverty, access to healthcare continues to be a huge challenge for Rosa’s community. Rosa lost her left hand 10 years ago in an accident with a sugar cane processing machine. Extreme poverty, geographical remoteness and the language barrier prevented her from accessing ongoing medical care after her accident. With the help of Watsi and our medical partner in Guatemala, Rosa can have a prosthetic arm custom fitted, for a total cost of $650.00. This will greatly improve Rosa’s ability to work in the fields and at home, making life just a little bit easier for her.

Caroline lives in Kenya. She has a positive attitude and is determined to overcome the challenges that have been thrown her way. After having polio when she was three, Caroline has a foot deformity. The deformity restricts the mobility of her foot, making it impossible for her to walk normally. Caroline's condition impacts her ability to keep up in school and make progress toward the bright future she aspires to. For $1,000, Caroline can undergo surgery to correct her foot deformity. Her doctors say that with surgery and physical therapy, Caroline will be able to walk, enabling her to succeed in school and live a healthy life.