Emmanuel, who is 19 years old, is the third born in a family of five children. He lives in Kansau village in Kenya. While Emmanuel was healthy at birth, when he was four or five years old, he began to experience convulsions. His parents brought him to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was diagnosed with hemiplegic CP, a condition where the brain has been impacted and results in the paralysis of one side of the body. In addition, Emmanuel has clubfoot of his left foot, which makes it difficult for him to wear shoes and to walk easily. Fortunately, Emmanuel traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on January 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund Emmanuel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk more easily, and to resume his vocational studies classes at Machakos School, which he so enjoys. Emmanuel said: “I would love to see my foot corrected so that I can continue with my studies and start my business in the future.”

Tek Ay is a 67-year-old retired rice farmer from southern Cambodia. She has three sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren. Tek Ay and her husband live near their oldest daughter, who works as a food seller in the local market. Tek Ay shared that she enjoys cooking and listening to monks pray on the radio. About two years ago, Tek Ay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Tek Ay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 31st, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Tek Ay said: "I hope I can I go outside by myself and see faces well again. I want to help my daughter take care of my grandchildren."

Juanita is a 75-year-old woman from Philippines. She manages a small business for a living, and she lives with her daughter who works as a house helper. In August 2022, Juanita began experiencing troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, excessive sweating, and sudden weight loss. She underwent a series of tests and was diagnosed with follicular thyroid carcinoma. This is the second most common cancer of the thyroid, characterized by an encapsulated tumor on the thyroid gland. She requires surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Juanita receive treatment. On January 7th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at WSFP's care center, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Juanita needs help raising the remaining $935 to cover the full cost of her procedure and care. Juanita shared, "this surgery is a big relief to me and my family. Though our relatives are extending financial assistance, still it wasn't enough to pay for my treatment. We don't know where else to ask for help, so thank you WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines!"