Lowena is a dedicated community health worker from the Philippines. She assists with maternal care and child health services in her community. She works three times a week in the field and will soon help with a measles vaccination program for children. Her son, Randy, drives a school bus, and together they provide for the family. Lowena enjoys singing in her free time and considers her fieldwork her exercise, as it keeps her active through frequent walking. Forty-four years ago, Lowena began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain, significant discomfort, and occasional bleeding. She was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. For a long time, Lowena postponed her own treatment to care for her sick grandchild, but after seeing the child recover and learning about hospital support, she decided it was time to prioritize her health. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lowena receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on May 5th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her hemorrhoids. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Lowena's procedure and care. "Having this surgery is a huge blessing, especially for people like me who cannot afford treatment. I hope Watsi continues helping more people, because helping others brings happiness," Shared Lowena.

Ethan is a one-month-old baby boy from Kenya. He was born with spina bifida, a condition where the baby's spinal column and spinal cord do not close completely before birth. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. At four days old, Ethan underwent spinal closure surgery. While Ethan was in recovery, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Ethan has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Ethan will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Ethan that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 25th and will drain the excess fluid from Ethan's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Ethan will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Ethan's mother shared, "I find it hard to understand why this had to happen to my son. He is going through unimaginable pain. I wish I could bear the pain on his behalf. I am, however, hopeful that this surgery will put an end to his misery."

Ei is a 24-year-old woman from Burma. Ei lives with her husband, young brother, sister-in-law, and 1-year-old niece. Ei owns a shop and sells dry foods, snacks, and juice with her sister-in-law. Her husband and younger brother work as motorcycle taxi drivers. Ei’s family’s combined monthly income is just enough to meet their basic needs. They have limited access to healthcare and purchase medication from a local shop whenever they are sick. In December 2025, Ei experienced intense pain from a mass on her leg. She has difficulty walking and has noticed her condition is worsening. Ei traveled to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, to receive care, and on May 7th, surgeons will remove the mass. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Ei's procedure and provide her relief from the impact of the mass and prevent other health complications. Ei said, “I felt really stressed when the cold weather came, and felt uncomfortable because I couldn’t walk as other people do. I’ve changed my mind and gathered the strength for my surgery, and I want to walk normally without the pain. I am happy to receive the support from BCMF and the donors for my surgery.”