Neng is a courageous 16-year-old boy who was born with a meningoencephalocele, a protrusion of brain tissue that is caused by a defect in the skull. With this condition, Neng is vulnerable to multiple infections, subsequent complications and sometimes death. Neng arrived at Children’s Surgical Centre to find medical help. Neng’s best friend in his village also has the same condition, but he is waiting for Neng to receive surgical help first. For $450, we can fund Neng’s surgery and prove that a healthy, happy life despite a congenital condition is possible!

Cynthia was born with hydrocephalus, a condition in which fluid builds up in the skull and puts life-threatening pressure on the brain. When her condition became evident, Cynthia's mother Ester was confused and scared for her child’s health. She is doing her best to seek treatment and help Cynthia grow up normally. Now, at one year old, the fluid pressure is causing Cynthia’s eyes to bulge. Her doctors say that soon she won’t be able to shut them. She needs shunt placement surgery, or an endoscopy of the third ventricle in her brain, to drain the excess fluid. By funding her treatment, we can help Cynthia avoid fatal brain damage and hopefully enable her to make her developmental milestones like a normal baby.

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.