Madelyn is a loving wife and grandmother from the Philippines. She currently lives with her husband and five-year-old grandchild. Ten years ago, Madelyn discovered a lump on her breasts. She had it examined by a healthcare professional and was informed that it appeared to be a fluid-like cyst with a chance to be resolved on its own. Unaware of the potential severity of her condition, she opted to discontinue follow-up checkups. As the years passed, she experienced intermittent, yet tolerable pain. This past March, the pain intensified significantly, accompanied by a palpable mass. These changes alarmed Madelyn to seek medical attention once again. She underwent a thorough assessment and diagnostic tests and was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been suggested to rid her body of breast cancer and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Madelyn receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on May 31st at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising $1058 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Madelyn will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. "We are just relying on my husband's income as a driver, which is barely enough to sustain our needs. On our own, we will not be able to afford my needed treatment", Madelyn shared. "I'll be eternally grateful to Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for helping me!"

Federensi is a 63-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. Her husband works as a farmer as well, and they primarily grow green vegetables that they sell to support their family. Their oldest child is now 43 years old, and their youngest is 18 years old and performing well in school. For 18 years, Federensi has been experiencing abdominal pains. The pains began after she underwent a C-section for her ninth pregnancy. Initially, she thought that her pain would gradually fade away over time. Upon seeking medical advice at a nearby health clinic, Doctors informed Federensi that her numerous deliveries may have been the primary trigger for her abdominal pain. They cautioned her against engaging in strenuous activities and provided her with medication. Unfortunately, the recommendation and the medication failed to relieve her pain. Federensi's abdominal pains have worsened. Now, she cannot lift heavy loads and has stopped farming due to pain. After seeking medical care again, Federensi was diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that impacts the uterine lining. Doctors recommended she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On June 13th, Federensi will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH's care center. Now, AMH is requesting $319 to fund Federensi's surgery. Once recovered, Federensi will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Federensi says, “My productivity has been affected negatively and I can no longer take good care of my family. I pray for a successful surgery to be able to continue with farming after recovery.”

Giovani is a one-year-old boy who lives with his parents and one older sibling. His mother works as a local roadside vendor, selling fruits, and his father, who is unemployed, is making dedicated efforts to secure a job to support his family. In addition to his job search, he has taken up poultry farming, involving the production and sale of chickens and eggs, so that he can contribute to the family's income. In April 2023, Giovani, while exploring alone in the kitchen, came upon a pot of hot soup. He immersed both of his arms in the pot, and sustained severe burns on his hands. His parents rushed him to the local hospital, where Giovani stayed for the next two months, while he received treatment for his wounds. Although he was eventually discharged after his wounds had healed, Giovani's hands had sustained significant skin damage. Despite facing financial constraints, Giovani’s father remained determined to find a solution for his child’s condition. While inquiring about a suitable location to receive treatment for his son, he encountered the parents of one of our former patients, who directed him to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare and the Plaster House. Following a thorough evaluation, the medical team diagnosed Giovani with burn scar contractures, affecting both of his hands. Four months later, Giovani was evaluated by a plastic surgeon, who devised a surgical treatment plan to address Giovani's inability to use his fingers to grasp objects - a result of the burn contractures. Giovani's parents are reaching out to you for assistance, to ensure that their son receives the appropriate medical care he requires. Fortunately, African Mission Healthcare is helping Giovani receive the care that he needs. On August 16th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery, to improve his hands’ functionality and appearance. Now, their family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Giovani’s father says: “I wish to see my son enjoying playing with his toys. We hope this treatment will be a big change from his current situation.”