Bela is an 18-month-old girl from the Philippines, who loves listening to nursery rhymes and playing with her musical toys. She lives with her older sibling, her father, who is a businessman, and her mother, who is a homemaker. Bela was born with an anorectal malformation, which is a congenital condition that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate her bowel dysfunction and help her grow up healthy. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Bela access the treatment that she needs. She is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on January 14th, at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being paid for by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is looking to you to help raise $1,211 to cover the remaining cost of Bela's procedure and care. After her recovery, Bela will no longer need a colostomy, experience bowel dysfunction, or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Bela's mother said: "As a parent, I hoped she'd have a normal life, and be free from using a colostomy bag. To be honest, a huge part of our budget goes to her colostomy supplies. So this free surgery is really a big help to our family. To WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines, thank you very much! We wouldn't know how to get her treated without your support."

Murungi is a farmer who is married and a mother to 3 children - 2 sons who works as a nurse and another a teacher. Her daughter was a teaching but lost her job and is now married and working as a small-scale farmer. Murungi does farming together with her husband but being that they have limited land, they mostly grow food to feed their family but when need calls, they sell off some to generate an income for the family. Since ten years ago, Murungi has been experiencing severe bleeding has been diagnosed with uterine myomas. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Murungi's surgery. On September 27th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Murungi will be able to finally resume her daily activities free of pain. Murungi says: “I pray that my health gets well because 10 years is too long to live in such suffering, but I hope with your support, all will be well.”

Simeo is a 67-year-old married father of six children from Southwestern Uganda. He works as a small-scale farmer, along with his wife to support their family. The couple has four daughters and two sons. Their oldest daughter is a nun and the rest of their children are married. For the past six years, Simeo has had a right inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him paresthesia, backaches, and pain when walking long distances and lifting heavy items. He was examined at a local hospital and surgery was recommended, but the treatment was too expensive. Recently, his condition has worsened. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Simeo receive treatment. On November 8th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Now, Simeo is requesting $230 to fund his procedure and care. Simeo shared, "I appeal for financial support to undergo this treatment. I believe I will get better after the surgery and be able to do my activities well."