John is a toddler boy from Kenya who is the second-born in a family of three children. His parents separated a while back, and he and his siblings now live at their ancestral home with their mother. John’s mother works around the community, such as tending to farm animals for her neighbors. John's grandparents also help support the young family. Since last year, John has been experiencing pain and discomfort caused by a right inguinal hernia. Although he was a playful boy, John has not been able to be as active as he was before the hernia. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery with the support of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $585 to help fund John's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. John’s mother said, “Since last year, I have been stressed as I had no idea what to do. I’m hopeful that he will be treated.”

Ashin Mala is a 30-year-old monk from Burma. He became a monk a year ago and currently lives in a monastery in Karen State. He receives two meals a day and cash donations from worshippers. In October 2022, he visited the house of a member of the ethnic armed group in the village. At the home, a child was playing with a pistol and accidentally shot the gun, hitting a wall. Unfortunately, a part of the bullet ricocheted off the wall and hit Mala in his left eye. Immediately, Ashin Mala was brought to a hospital, where an X-ray showed that bullet shards were lodged under his left eye. The doctor removed most of the bullet shards and closed the gunshot wound. Though time has since passed, he still feels pain in his left eye and has lost vision in that eye. He has also developed itchiness and a burning sensation in that eye. Eventually, he was brought to Mae Sot Hospital in Thailand, where, with the help of Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) and Watsi donors, he underwent a CT scan. The results showed multiple foreign bodies in his left eye, most likely shards left from the bullet, and indicated that his left eyeball was most likely ruptured. He was then referred to Chiang Mai Hospital (CMH), where an ophthalmologist told him they would have to remove his left eyeball. He was then admitted for surgery at CMH on February 22nd. Mala needs help raising $1500 to fund this procedure that will relieve him of his pain. Ashin Mala said, "I believe my pain will disappear after the operation. I want to get rid of the pain. Afterward, I will work hard to attend Dhamma University. I want to become a preacher. I will preach about Dharma [the teachings of Buddha] around my country.”

Jemimah is the third born in a family of 4, and two of her elder siblings are in school. Her father is a teacher, and her mother works on farms to make ends meet. They are not able to raise sufficient money for daily upkeep and medical bills. Despite hardship, their family has big dreams. Jemimah's father wishes that she will become a lawyer when she grows up. Since birth, Jemimah has had an umbilical hernia. She did not have any pain earlier, but lately, the umbilicus has become painful. She was reviewed at Nyakibale Hospital and doctors recommend surgery. Her father is worried that they are not able to raise the hospital fees and requests your support. Fortunately, on March 7th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Jemimah's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Jemimah's father says “My child's condition is worrying but I hope that once operated on, she will be better and grow up without any health issues."