Mary, who is 53 years old, is a small-scale farmer, living in the Rukungiri district in Uganda. Mary and her husband - who have been married for 22 years - have five children. Two of their sons are currently studying; their elder daughter is married and works as a farmer, while the rest of their children are still in school. When she was a child, Mary had ambitions to become a teacher. However, due to a lack of school fees, she only completed grade six, and never reached her goal. Instead, she farms to earn a living, while her husband works as a carpenter. Despite all their hard work, their income is limited. Since January of this year, Mary has been experiencing bleeding, along with severe backaches, lower abdominal pain, and intermittent headaches. She has visited several hospitals where she was treated, but her condition remains unresolved. She was recently diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion, and advised to undergo a hysterectomy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Mary's surgery. On April 4th, she will be operated on at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. Once she has recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. With a bright hopeful smile, Mary says: “I’ve had a lot of pain, but I have hope that when I am given your support, I will be able to attain my surgery and hope to get well.”

Jocelyn is a loving mother of four from Philippines. She works as a bookkeeper, and her husband works as a part-time sidecar driver while also looking after their children. Despite their hard work, their combined income is just enough for the family's daily needs. Three years ago, Jocelyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including episodes of epigastric pain. Worried about their finances, she chose to defer her checkup. Unfortunately, the symptoms worsened as she began to experience difficulty of breathing, and persistent vomiting. She was brought to the nearest hospital to be given emergency care. The doctor told her to have an abdominal ultrasound. The test showed that she was suffering from gallstones, which can no longer be treated with medicines. Jocelyn has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Jocelyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 17th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Jocelyn's surgery and care. Jocelyn shared, "I'd like to thank WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for sponsoring my surgery. May you continue helping people who are financially incapable of paying for their surgeries. You are an answered prayer!"

Sayuni, who is 4 years old, lives with her mother and two siblings in Tanzania. Sayuni's mother sells local bites like buns and Vitumbua- coconut rice pancakes- by the roadside to try and make ends meet. Sayuni was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, which causes her legs to bow outward at the knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, stemming from the consumption of contaminated drinking water. As a result of her condition, Sayuni has a difficult time walking and playing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Sayuni. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Sayuni's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Sayuni’s mother says: “I have hope that my daughter will be able to walk better after the treatment.”