Crispin is a 65-year-old father of three from the Philippines. He lives with his wife and daughter. He has two other children who already have their own families. Crispin is currently unemployed and depends on his daughter’s modest income, which only covers their daily needs. He explained that he could only undergo surgery if financial assistance were provided. Despite these challenges, Crispin takes care of himself by avoiding heavy lifting and eating healthier foods. Five months ago, Crispin was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has been causing him pain and difficulty in moving around. Crispin needs to undergo surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 15th, Crispin will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Crispin's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will ease his suffering, and lift the financial burden on his family, giving them a chance to move forward with dignity and hope. Crispin says, "I am deeply grateful to the Almighty and the Foundation for this surgery, which saves me from falling into debt and gives me hope that more people like me will continue to receive help."

Jason is a 47-year-old man from the Philippines. He works as a motorcycle taxi driver, while his wife is a marketing assistant. Their combined income was just enough to cover their daily expenses for food and utilities like water and electricity. Jason loves to drive and play basketball in his free time. Four months ago, Jason began to experience troubling symptoms, including a sensation of choking, and noticed a small lump on his neck. He was diagnosed with Multinodular Non-toxic Goiter. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Jason receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 27th. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of his treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Jason's procedure and care. Jason shared, "At first, we were shocked, and we did not expect this to happen, but my family is always encouraging me to proceed with the upcoming surgery. I also believe that with the help of Watsi, both the surgery and my recovery will be made easier."

Meshack is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in his family. His mother is a preacher, and cares for her young children. Despite her responsibilities, she has made strong efforts to find specialized treatment for Meshack after noticing that his hand movement was becoming more restricted. When Meshack was very young, he sustained a burn injury on his right hand. Though the wound has healed, the scars have become tight over time, causing a burn scar contracture. The contracture has affected finger movement and palm opening, making it difficult for his hand to function normally as he grows. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Meshack receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and skin graft to greatly improve his hand development and future independence. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Meshack's mother says, “His hand cannot open well, and I worry about how he will use it as he grows. I am praying he can get treatment and use his hand freely.”