Simwenda is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He resides in a village in the Mpanda district. His parents, hardworking farmers, work daily to provide for their family’s subsistence needs. Simwenda was born with a clubfoot - a birth abnormality in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual, causing the foot to twist and making walking and wearing shoes difficult. Simwenda’s parents, with limited resources and no access to medical insurance, could only watch their son’s condition worsen for three years. It broke their hearts to see him suffer. The nearest hospital could not provide the treatment he needed. Simwenda’s parents shared their son’s story with their community, hoping for help and learned that services would be available at the Plaster House, a care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). However, Simwenda's parents encountered a significant obstacle in obtaining care: transportation costs. Their village is hundreds of miles from Arusha, where the medical care center is located. Simwenda’s family organized a fundraising event to raise money for the transportation and additional expenses of the journey. Upon Simwenda’s arrival at the center, he received a warm welcome. The medical team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 15. AMH is requesting $935 to fund Simwenda's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk with less struggle. Simwende’s mother says: “Despite our financial situations, we have tried so hard to get him treatment. I hope this time around our son has a chance to get treatment.”

Mon, a homemaker and devoted mother to a four-year-old daughter, works part-time as a waitress while her husband earns a living as a motorcycle taxi driver. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends during her free time. Last year in September, Mon began experiencing a hard abdomen and uncomfortable bloating. If she overeats, she has difficulty breathing and feels pain. Following a diagnosis of a right ovarian cyst, she has been recommended to undergo an oophorectomy, a surgical procedure aimed at removing her ovaries. Fortunately, Mon is scheduled to undergo her oophorectomy on June 15th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, requests $913 to cover her procedure and care costs so she can heal. Mon said, “It’s good that you save so many people with the same condition. Not many can save lives like this.”

Su is an 11-year-old fourth grader from Burma. Her mother and father both work for Karen ethnic community based organizations. Su was born with club feet and a dislocated right hip. She underwent an operation at Chiang Mai Hospital in November 2022, with the help of Watsi donors. Her doctor wants her to undergo a CT scan to check how her hip is healing, following the surgery and ensure her condition is corrected. The CT scan will also allow Su's doctors to determine if she requires any additional treatment. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $469 to cover the cost of Su's CT scan, which is scheduled for May 25th, at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Su’s father said: "I want my daughter to have the best: the best education, the best future, and the best family. I will support her and respect all of her ambitions."