Ya is a 41-year-old woman from Burma. She currently lives with her father who is retired, her brother who is a student, and her son who works on the family rice farm with her. Their farming sustains their family, as they have no other source of income. They also forage for plants and vegetables from the forest. In her free time, Ya enjoys weaving traditional Karen (her ethnic community) bags. As a result of COVID-19 and the February 2021 coup, it is no longer feasible for Ya’s family to have traditional jobs. Her family faces extreme instability due to ongoing fighting in their area. Often, they must escape to nearby forests to avoid the conflict. They spend around a week at a time displaced in the forests. After the fighting has moved, they return to their village. Recently they had to sell their two cows to support themselves. In September 2020, Ya began experiencing back pain, and it was uncomfortable for her to walk and do regular activities because she cannot put pressure on her abdomen. She was diagnosed with myoma, or uterine fibroids. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Ya's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Ya is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on July 10th with the help of our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), who is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, Ya will no longer be in pain and will be able to walk without discomfort and work on the farm with her son. Ya said, “I want to get the surgery and recover quickly so I can go back to my family and help with the farm.” She is not sure what the future will hold as the fighting in her village is still happening, but she said, “I just want to be happy and stay with my family for the rest of my life.”

Prudence is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She and her husband have six kids, with their oldest twenty years old and in secondary school class three, and their youngest is six years old and in primary school class one. Prudence shared that she completed primary school class five before needing to leave due to high school fees. Together with her husband, they practice farming for their family’s sustenance. Sixteen years ago, Prudence developed a small swelling on her neck. It has been slowly increasing in size, and recently, Prudence has begun to experience troubling symptoms, including severe pains and headaches that make it impossible for her to farm. Additionally, she has a lot of ear pain and sometimes cannot hear properly. Prudence was diagnosed with a non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Prudence receive treatment. On May 5th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMH’s care center, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $333 to fund this procedure. Prudence shared: “My current condition has greatly affected my productivity. I pray that I may get well through surgery. I will continue with farming after complete recovery.”

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."