Meet Abubeker, a playful and energetic 9-year-old boy from Ethiopia who enjoys spending time with his friends, playing football, and going to school. Currently in the fourth grade, Abubeker has a strong enthusiasm for learning. In 2015, he was sponsored by Watsi to treat a condition called hypospadias. Abubeker's parents are separated, and he initially lived with his mother. Struggling to make ends meet, his mother eventually moved to Dubai, so Abubeker was then raised by his maternal aunt. About a year ago, his father brought him into his new household, where Abubeker now lives with his two siblings and stepmother. The family originally lived in another region, where they ran a cattle breeding and milk business. However, due to political unrest, they were displaced and forced to relocate to the city, leaving their home, business, and belongings behind. The transition has been difficult, as the cost of living in the city is much higher, and the family's income is insufficient to meet their needs. His father works as a seller in an electronics shop, and they rely on support from extended family members. Abubeker was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Abubeker has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On February 6th, he will undergo corrective surgery, for which AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Abubeker's dad said: "I hope he will heal after the surgery. I hope he will be good with his school and lead a good life. We will try to raise him well and to educate him."

Woldegibreal is a bright and caring 12-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He helps his family by taking care of his younger siblings and doing some household chores while his parents and older brother work hard on their small farm. Despite the challenges of living in a hot and dry area with limited resources, Woldegibreal finds joy in playing football and listening to music. For a time, his family was supported by food and supplies from government and NGO donations, but this support was taken away in 2023. Now, they have to work harder than ever, often taking on extra labor to make ends meet. Woldegibreal has already overcome significant challenges. In 2022, he underwent bladder repair surgery supported by Watsi, which transformed his life, allowing him to play with friends and enjoy his first grade. His parents are overjoyed at how far he has come and are eager to see him thrive even more. However, Woldegibreal is scheduled for another crucial surgery to address a condition he was born with called epispadias. This surgery is crucial for him to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and help improve his urinary control. His family is dedicated to supporting him, but they need assistance to cover the medical costs. Fortunately, Woldegibreal is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,040 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Woldegibreal's father says, "We hope our son will be healed and can lead a better life, free from the effects of his condition."

Zaw is a 46-year-old man living in Thailand. He fled to Thailand from his village in Karen State, Burma in April 2024 due to fighting in the area. In his free time, Zaw used to enjoy exercising a lot but nowadays, he prefers to take long walks since he cannot lift anymore. Zaw can move normally and do most chores himself, but he is unable to work. Early in May 2024, Zaw experienced severe pain in his abdomen for the first time. He visited a clinic and the doctor treated him with an intravenous injection after diagnosing him with gastritis. The pain went away but came back as soon as he left the hospital. He feels pain in his abdomen that comes and goes and worsens when he lies down, making it impossible for him to sleep well. After several visits to clinics and hospitals, Zaw was diagnosed with a pancreatic pseudocyst and needs surgery to remove it. Zaw is now at a clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand, as he awaits further treatment. The clinic also helps provide shelter, food, and financial aid for health care. Zaw traveled to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, to receive care, and on November 21st, surgeons will remove the cyst. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Zaw's procedure and provide him relief from the impact of the cyst. Zaw expresses his worries saying, “Right now, I do not even want to think about my future. I hope I will be able to find a good job after I am healthy again, where no heavy lifting is needed. Thank you to BCMF and the donors for your help.”

Mishehe is a two-year-old boy from Tanzania who lives with his grandparents. Last year, Mishehe accidentally fell into a pot of hot water, suffering severe burns on both hands. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was admitted for six months due to the persistent and slow-healing wounds. After his wounds finally healed, his right hand was fine, but the fingers on his left hand became webbed together due to contractures. Mishehe’s grandparents had to postpone further treatment as they had exhausted all their savings during his hospital stay. Fortunately, Mishehe's grandparents were referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Mishehe receive treatment. On October 18th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and skin graft to help improve the functionality of his hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Mishehe's grandmother says: "We are grateful and hopeful that this is a chance for his hand to get better. Thank you so much."

Samantha is a 26-year-old mother from Haiti. She lives in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. Samantha has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of her heart is damaged as a result of an infection she had earlier in her life. The valve cannot adequately pump blood through her body, leaving her weak and short of breath. Samantha will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On September 9th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will repair the valve so that blood can flow through it more normally. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $22.000 to pay for her surgery. Samantha's family still needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Samantha's family overseas. Samantha says, "I am very excited to have this surgery so that I can go back to my daughter fully healthy."

Leam lives with his wife and two of their children. His wife is a housewife, and their two sons, aged 19 and 21, care for buffalos in the village. At home, Leam enjoys listening to the radio and chatting with his neighbors. Three years ago, Leam stepped on an anchor while fishing, resulting in a chronic wound on his right foot that has not been treated properly. The wound is severely infected and has developed a fungating mass with infections. Leam used to work various farming and handyman jobs to support his family, but since the accident, he has been unable to work. Additionally, Leam underwent a below-knee amputation of his left leg about 20 years ago following an accident, which has left him unable to walk or stand without crutches. Leam and his wife were referred by a neighbor to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for consultation and treatment. Due to the chronic ulcer on his right foot, doctors have determined that Leam needs an amputation below the knee to prevent further infection. The surgery is scheduled for July 25th and Leam needs $479 to cover the cost of surgery, medications, hospitalization, and post-operative physical therapy. Leam says, "I hope that after the surgery, the wound will no longer be infected, so that I will not have to worry in the future and can move forward with my life."

Gabriel is a teenage boy from Kenya. He is the second child in a family of four and in the 8th grade. Gabriel dreams of becoming a doctor someday to help patients in need. His mother does day jobs she can find like picking tea and farming. Gabriel was born with bilateral clubfoot, where both feet are twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. When he was just five days old, his mother took him to a hospital where he began treatment with serial casting. While his condition improved, it was not fully corrected. Gabriel was brought back for treatment, including casting his feet and wearing special shoes. Around this time, Gabriel started having other serious medical conditions, prompting the medical team to pause treatment for his clubfoot. Now, Gabriel is at our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital, where he’s undergoing serial casting to prepare his feet for surgery. This treatment is helping to soften his tissues and align his bones, getting him ready for the upcoming operation. On November 12th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gabriel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk comfortably, play football with his friends, and feel more confident. Gabriel shared, "I am looking forward to a quick recovery so I can get be with my friends and play football."

Chhin is a six-month-old baby girl from Cambodia. She lives with her sister and parents in Prey Veng Province. Her parents are rice farmers. At home, Chhin enjoys drinking milk and napping next to her mother. She is also attracted to the visual and auditory stimulation of videos on her mother's phone. Chhin has clubfoot on her right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Chhin traveled three hours to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). There, surgeons will perform a clubfoot repair procedure, on June 18th. Chhin's family is able to contribute $100 towards her medical care but needs help raising $344 more to fund the procedure. After treatment, the movement in the ankle joint will increase, which is crucial for walking and other motor activities. She will be able to stand and feel comfortable when she learns to walk. Chhin parents said, "We hope that Chhin can stand and walk in a normal position as she grows up."

Soeng is a 57-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives in Prey Veng province with the youngest of her two sons, who also works as a rice farmer. Her older son works in construction, and lives two hours away. In her free time, she likes gardening and visiting the pagoda. On April 17th this year, Soeng slipped and fell down the stairs in her traditionally raised home, and as a result fractured her left foot. She went to a hospital for an X-ray, which showed a fracture in the bone located on the outer side of the ankle. However, she could not afford the surgery treatment, and returned home with some pain medications. Presently, her left foot is swollen making it difficult for her to walk, and she is in pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 8th, Soeng will undergo a fracture repair procedure to alleviate her pain and restore her mobility. She and her family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $383 more to fund the procedure Soeng says, "After surgery, I hope to walk easily again, and return to work."

Kelly is a 23-year-old Business Administration student from Kenya. Her family members assist in offering her with living support, especially since her father passed away in 2022, and her mother suffers from a condition that requires constant care. In January 2024, Kelly's left knee was struck by a door, leading to swelling and pain in the area. Subsequently, the swelling burst, resulting in pus formation. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, her condition did not improve. Kelly was taken our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a small, proximal tibia sequester. Surgery was recommended, without which there was a risk she could lose her leg. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Kelly receive treatment. On April 8th, surgeons at AIC Kijabe Hospital will perform a sequestrectomy debridement external fixation to prevent the infection from spreading, and save her leg. Now, Kelly's family needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Kelly says: “I stopped going to college because of the infection. I cannot walk or use my leg because of the infection. I am requesting for treatment support to help preserve my leg.”

Heng is a 70-year-old grandmother from Cambodia with nine children and fifteen grandchildren. Heng's husband recently died, and she moved in with her youngest son. Together they care for an orphaned child from the village. Her son works in construction, while Heng's other children send small amounts of their income to Heng to help support her living expenses. In her free time, she likes to cook and go to the village pagoda to pray. Around three months ago, Heng developed a cataract in her left eye - a clouding of the lens of the eye that causes cloudy vision, as if looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Heng now has blurry vision, headaches, and watery eyes. She has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. She is not able to safely go up and down the steps of her traditional village home. When Heng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On March 11th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, hopefully, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Heng needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope I can improve my vision so I can go places without feeling afraid and recognize faces in the village."

Diana and her husband Isaya just welcomed twins! Their family lives in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Diana works in the home, managing the household and caring for their children, while Isaya works diligently on their farm to provide food. In addition to farming, Isaya does daily work to supplement their income. After welcoming their twins, they are working hard to try to provide them with everything they need. Both babies were born with clubfoot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This condition causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes as they grow. Fortunately, their family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment for both of their newborns on February 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund the clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and wear shoes when he gets older. Diana Says, “I hope both my children will grow up with no disability.”