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.

Jenfa is a farmer from Ethiopia. He is 77 years old and lives with his wife and 10 children. For over a year, he has struggled with an enlarged prostate (BPH). Since getting a catheter four months ago, he has faced painful complications. As an active farmer used to working independently, the catheter has made everyday life very hard. It slows down his movement, stops him from doing his daily chores, and keeps him from seeing his friends and community. Losing his freedom has made him very unhappy. Simple, everyday tasks have become exhausting for him and his family. They are doing their best to help him through this hard time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund surgery that will help improve his quality of life. The treatment is scheduled to take place on August 11th; he and his family need your help. Jenfa shared, "I hope to regain my strength and independence so I can enjoy a peaceful and active retirement."

Athia is a calm two-year-old girl from Burundi. When she first arrived at the hospital, she stayed close to her father and eventually fell asleep in his arms. She is the second-born child in a family of three children. Since the day she was born, her father noticed that a small area on her back looked different. The skin was darker than the rest, but at first, the family did not know what it meant. After Athia turned one, however, the area began to swell. Over time, it grew larger, eventually covering a significant part of her lower back. What had once been a small and uncertain concern had become a large mass that required specialized medical attention. Athia's father has traveled through several hospitals, with no curative treatment. He left Athia’s mother and their other children, and traveled with his daughter in search of the care she needs. The distance has been difficult, and the long hours of waiting have tested their patience. He brought her to Kibuye Hope Hospital, where doctors advised that the mass would need to be removed, and a skin graft applied. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Athia receive treatment. On September 16th, surgeons will perform a skin graft procedure to help her begin her journey towards healing and enable her to laugh freely, play without worry, grow with confidence, and dream about her future. Now, Athia needs help to fund this $375 procedure. Athia’s father said, "Since arriving here, I have been touched by the warm welcome and guidance we have received. I am truly grateful for the help given to my daughter. Before coming here, I had taken her to several hospitals in Bujumbura, which cost our family almost everything we had. I came here without knowing what kind of help we would receive, but by God’s grace, we have found hope. I pray that the journey ahead will be just as good."