Kenneth is 57 years old and a farmer from Malawi. He is married and has five children, three of whom are adults with their own families, and the youngest two are in school. He is also a grandfather to five grandchildren. About 16 years ago, Kenneth began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling on his neck that grew over time. He has been experiencing difficulty swallowing, neck heaviness, and breathlessness, which have significantly affected his daily activities, resulting in reduced income. He has been to different hospitals but has not felt any improvement. In January this year, one of the beneficiaries noticed him struggling to breathe and encouraged him to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. He was diagnosed with a goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Kenneth receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on March 4th. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and he and his family need help raising money. Kenneth shared, "I already have 100% hope that my healing has drawn nearer. I did not expect to be supported despite having nothing to offer. I will patiently wait for my surgery turn."

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.

Fozan is a beautiful four-year-old boy with a bright smile from Ethiopia. He loves playing football, solving puzzles, and singing children’s songs. He also enjoys spending time playing with his older brother. Fozan is the second child in his family. His mother is a housewife, and his father works as a taxi driver. The family lives in a rented house and works hard to provide for their children. The condition came to the family’s attention when Fozan’s aunt took her own baby to a clinic for a procedure. During the visit, the doctor discovered that her baby had an undescended testicle and explained the condition to the family. After learning about this, Fozan’s aunt informed her brother. When Fozan’s father checked his son, he noticed that one side of Fozan’s scrotum appeared empty and immediately took him to a clinic. The doctor explained that surgery was needed at an early age, which made the family feel anxious and worried about the condition, and the doctor referred them to another hospital for further evaluation and treatment. At the referral Hospital, doctors confirmed the need for surgery. Fozan was placed on a waiting list, and the family waited anxiously for three months. Later, when Fozan’s father returned to check on the waiting list, the hospital staff informed him that they had tried to contact the family but could not reach them by phone. They also told him that Fozan had been referred to Bethany Kids for treatment. Soon after, Fozan and his father visited our facility, where Fozan was carefully examined. Fozan was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Fozan has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Fozan will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 13th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Fozan’s father conveyed his gratitude, stating, "I am truly delighted with the service and hope the surgery will be successful. I am excited, especially when the doctor told me that my child's surgery will be performed laparoscopically."