Sophon is a 60-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a weaver from Kandal province. She is a widow with no children; her husband passed away about 15 years ago in a car accident. She currently lives with her youngest sister, who is also a weaver. In her free time, Sophon enjoys listening to the radio and hearing monks pray. About two years ago, Sophon developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. Sophon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On April 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sophon can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 to fund her procedure and care. Sophon said, "I hope that after my eye surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see clearly, recognize things more easily, and continue my weaving work well. I also hope to travel farther without difficulty and no longer worry about my eyesight."

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."

Mdoe is a 14-year-old boy from Kenya. Shortly after his birth, Mdoe showed signs that his intestines were not working properly. He was brought to several hospitals, but was not given a clear diagnosis. Mdoe's condition worsened. He was visibly in pain, restless, and crying constantly. Mdoe's mother was determined to find help. She took him to a larger facility, where doctors explained that his intestines were intertwined and that he would need surgery. He would require a colostomy bag to help him pass stool. After a few days of monitoring, they were discharged. But only days later, complications arose, and Kinago underwent surgery at the same hospital. Life after surgery was far from easy. His mother took him for clinic checkups several times, striving to remain consistent with his care. But back at home, reality pressed in. Both parents engage in small-scale farming, stretching each harvest to provide for their eight children. Eventually, the cost of continued clinic visits became impossible to sustain. Now fourteen, Mdoe has never been able to attend school. It breaks his heart to watch children his age walk to class while he remains at home. His condition requires him to change his colostomy bag regularly, yet he has been using the same one since early childhood. Some schools refused to admit him. Over time, discouraged and burdened by school fees, his mother stopped trying. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On February 12th, Mdoe will undergo abdominal surgery that will improve Mdoe's quality of life. His family needs help raising $1,081 to fund his procedure and care. Mdoe's mother shared, “It is painful when your child asks you why he cannot go to school like other children. I see the longing in his eyes, and I wish I could take this condition away from him. I may not have wealth, but I have never stopped fighting for him, even when the journey felt too heavy for my shoulders.”