Angelina is a mother of three children aged between 12 and 27 years old. She and her husband work as manual laborers in Kenya, but the income from this venture is inconsistent and negligible to pay for the proposed surgery. Angelina has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. Thus, doctors suggested she undergo a mastectomy to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. On February 3rd, Angelina will undergo a mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. After treatment, Angelina will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. Angelina needs help raising $1,110 to fund her procedure and care. Angelina says, “I am still in shock after hearing this cancer news. I hope to get treatment soon to stop it.”

Nwe Ni is a 43-year-old woman who lives with her mother, her two sisters, and her older brother in Karen State, Burma. Nwe Ni used to work as a homemaker, but stopped once the goiter in her neck became enlarged. Her discomfort began in November 2019, when Nwe Ni started to experience neck stiffness and swelling. Currently, she also has trouble with insomnia, leaving her tired and prompting her to rest during the day. At the same time, she has lost her appetite and, with her neck swollen, at times it feels constricted. In February 2023, Nwe Ni was referred to the Mae Sot General Hospital for further investigation. The doctor there diagnosed her with a multinodular goiter and told her that she would require surgery. Nwe Ni’s mother told the doctor that they could not cover the cost of surgery, and they were referred to Burma Children Medical Fund, which is seeking $1,500 to fund Nwe Ni's thyroidectomy, which is scheduled for March 8th, at Mae Sot General Hospital. She and her family are looking to you to help cover the costs of her life-changing procedure. Nwe Ni said: “I am so delighted when I heard that I could have this mass removed. It feels so heavy, and I am not comfortable living like this. I would like to say thank you so much [to the donors] and you will always be in my prayers for your assistance.”

Liza is a happy eight-year-old girl, living in Kandal province, Cambodia. She has two older siblings - an older sister who works in a factory, and an older brother who is in grade seven. Her father recycles cans and plastic bottles, while her mother stays home to care for her. Liza was born with Down syndrome and she does not attend school, but spends her day enjoying cartoons on TV and helping her mother around the house. For the past five years, Liza has been experiencing frequent throat infections, and difficulty swallowing. She has a harder time breathing at night and does not sleep well, so she is often tired during the day. Her mother says she often cries because her throat hurts so much. Liza was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and to intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Liza, which is scheduled to take place on January 23rd at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Liza of her symptoms, and helping her to live a healthier and more comfortable life. Liza's mother shared: "We hope after surgery Liza will stop having sore throats, and it will be easy for her to swallow."

Grace is a 29-year-old mother of three. She is from Southwestern Uganda and practices subsistence farming while her husband is a bodaboda taxi driver who is paid on commission. The family's financial situation makes it difficult to manage both day-to-day costs and medical expenses. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting a new baby. Her doctors recommended that she deliver via a cesarean section (C-Section). She has been attending the antenatal clinic at Nyakibale Hospital and was advised to undergo a C-Section to avoid a ruptured uterus. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Grace undergo a C-Section on January 19th. Grace needs help raising $252 to fund her procedure and, ultimately, safely deliver her newborn child. Grace says “I will be glad to deliver my baby safely under your support and thus able to continue with farming.”

Vanna is a 24-year-old farmer who has been married for 2 years and has one daughter and one son. She stays home to care for the children, and her husband drives a motor taxi. In her free time, she grows plants outside her house and likes to do embroidery. One year ago, she had an ear infection that caused pain and discharge from her right ear. She tried medicine from a local pharmacy but the symptoms persisted. The infection caused the tympanic membrane (ear drum) in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Vanna experiences tinnitus, ear pain, and hearing loss. She cannot communicate clearly with others, does not sleep well, and often has headaches. Vanna traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On November 21st, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Vanna shared: "I hope my ear will be healthy and my hearing will improve."

Sat is a 78-year-old loving grandmother from Prey Veng province. She has eight children and eighteen grandchildren. Since her husband passed away seven years ago, she has been living with her oldest daughter, who supports the family by working as a rice farmer. Sat enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and going to her local pagoda. One year ago, Sat developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and sensitivity to light. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Sat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sat said, "After surgery, I hope I can help my daughter more around the house and cook for my grandchildren."

Phorn is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer. She has one son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. She lives alone near her son. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. Two years ago, Phorn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her discomfort (photophobia), itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, impacting her independence and ability to go places and do things alone. When Phorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for over three hours seeking treatment. On September 5th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Phorn says, "I hope that after surgery I will see better. I want to recognize people’s faces and go to the pagoda by myself."

Chantha is a six-year-old student from Cambodia in the first grade. She lives with her parents, who are rice farmers, and her three-year-old brother. When she is not in school, Chantha enjoys playing with her little brother and neighbors. Since birth, Chantha has had left hip pain and difficulty crawling and walking. As she grew, her parents and doctors noticed her left leg was shorter than her right leg. To correct this, surgeons fixated plate screws to her left leg. Since the screws were placed, she has been able to walk well, and can even run. Now that her left leg has been corrected, the screws need to be removed to prevent future complications as she grows. Surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On November 17th, Chantha will undergo a hardware removal procedure. Now, she and her family need help raising $304 to fund her procedure and care. Chantha's mother shared, "I hope my daughter can continue to walk easily and without pain after this procedure."

Meet Asanas: she is a social and confident 28-year-old Ugandan woman who lives in a muddy three-roomed semi-permanent house with her husband, child, and two foster children. To make a living, she does farming on her small piece of land with her husband. They usually grow simple food crops for home consumption but often sell the surplus to generate income for their family. During high school, she had a passion for journalism, but she was unable to pursue her dream because she couldn't finish school due to a lack of school fees. She stayed at home for a few years before getting married when she was 22. Asanas was brought in to the hospital with severe left-sided pain whenever she lies down to rest. She also experiences abdominal pain, even when eating small amounts of food. When her symptoms became severe, she came to see a doctor and was recommended to undergo a scan. The scan results indicated a left cyst, and she was recommended for cystectomy treatment for a complete recovery. However, her income is not enough to enable her to raise the money needed for her surgery, and she therefore appeals for your support to pay the $220 required for her cystectomy. Asanas says, "My life had always been well until I was hit by this pain. It's hard for me to do anything at home, but I hope that with your help to undergo surgery and I will get well."

Lout is a 70-year-old retired rice farmer. Lout has two sons, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. Five years ago, her husband passed away due to hypertension. She lives with her eldest daughter who manages the ancestral farmland. When Lout is not cooking or helping her daughter care for the grandchildren, she enjoys listening to monks chant on the radio. Two years ago, Lout developed a cataract in her left eye, causing light sensitivity, blurry vision, and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Lout learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On September 30th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Lout say, "I hope I can see better so I can take care of myself. I want to go to the pagoda by myself and visit with my neighbors without being afraid I will fall."

Alexia is a first-year student nurse from the Philippines. Alexia's mother is a stay-at-home mom, and her father works as a ride operator abroad. Despite working hard, her father's income is only enough for the family's basic needs. In March, Alexia began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain radiating to her back. Alexia was brought to a nearby hospital to be treated. Upon having her ultrasound test, it showed that she was suffering from a gallstone. Alexia 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), Alexia is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 5th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $820 to cover the cost of Alexia's surgery make her care possible. Alexia's mother shared, "We are financially incapable to pay for her medical bills. With this surgery, we don't have to worry about it anymore. I'd like to thank WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines! We're so fortunate to be one of your beneficiaries."

Esther is a beautiful seven-month old baby girl from Haiti. She has two older sisters, and loves to smile and play with her mom. Esther has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Esther has been experiencing an increase in head circumference. Without treatment, Esther will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost Esther's surgery, which she will have on February 24th at our medical partner's care center, Hospital Bernard Mevs. This is the only site in Haiti that currently provides this critical type of treatment, which will drain the excess fluid from Esther's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Esther will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Her parents shared with us that they hope she'll have the opportunity to grow up and be able to play with the other children.