Jocelyn is a loving mother of four from Philippines. She works as a bookkeeper, and her husband works as a part-time sidecar driver while also looking after their children. Despite their hard work, their combined income is just enough for the family's daily needs. Three years ago, Jocelyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including episodes of epigastric pain. Worried about their finances, she chose to defer her checkup. Unfortunately, the symptoms worsened as she began to experience difficulty of breathing, and persistent vomiting. She was brought to the nearest hospital to be given emergency care. The doctor told her to have an abdominal ultrasound. The test showed that she was suffering from gallstones, which can no longer be treated with medicines. Jocelyn 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), Jocelyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 17th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Jocelyn's surgery and care. Jocelyn shared, "I'd like to thank WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for sponsoring my surgery. May you continue helping people who are financially incapable of paying for their surgeries. You are an answered prayer!"

Nicholas is a 40-year-old from Kenya and a dad to two daughters. Nicholas works a variety of labor jobs, and his wife is a homemaker. They also have a small piece of land where they plant maize. Their oldest daughter is in high school, while their youngest is in primary school. Nicolas was recently injured while working with a team preparing animal feeds. He was carrying a hay machine when one of the screws broke, causing Nicolas to receive a deep cut on his left hand and a broken radius (wrist). He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the wound was sutured and dressed, and Nicolas returned home with an arm sling and medication to help with the pain. When he returned a few days later, the doctors confirmed that he needs an implant to stabilize the fracture. As this facility does not have a surgeon, Nicolas visited our medical partner’s care center for further treatment. The medical team stabilized the fracture with a splint and arm sling. Nicholas also spoke with the orthopedic surgeon, who told him that he must undergo surgery to align the broken bone. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. After the swelling subsides, Nicholas will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, on February 27th. This procedure will relieve his pain and allow his fracture to heal properly so he can return to work and care for his family. AMH is requesting $1,145 to fund this procedure. Nicholas said: “I have always worked hard in order to ensure that my family doesn’t lack. My hand is now injured, and I cannot work to earn a living. It is sad, but I am grateful to God for the gift of life. Kindly help me so that I may continue providing for my family.”

Sarah is a Ugandan retailer and mother of five. She has a bachelor’s degree in procurement and logistics but could not find a suitable job after graduating. She runs her family’s retail shop to provide for her family. Her husband works with Kabale municipal council in Uganda as a private auditor. Their firstborn is 13 years old and in secondary school class one, while the lastborn is 3 months old. Thirteen years ago, Sarah began to experience troubling symptoms, including a neck swelling that has increased in size progressively over time. She found out about it during her first pregnancy, when a friend noticed her neck was swollen. Initially, she attributed the swelling to the pregnancy and believed it would subside after giving birth. However, that was not the case. Eventually, she decided to visit a hospital where surgery was recommended to address the issue. Frightened by the prospect of undergoing surgery, she decided not to proceed with the operation. Over time, the swelling continued to grow in size, reaching a point where she became anxious about attending public gatherings and chose to stay home instead. Four years ago, she underwent a cancer test, which yielded negative results. Although she doesn't experience any complications, such as airway blockage, the swelling has become so prominent that it makes her feel extremely self-conscious in public. She was diagnosed with nontoxic goiter. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sarah receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on May 13th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $333, and she and her family need help raising money. Sarah says, “I hope and believe that I can look normal again through surgery. I pray that I may be able to live a normal life once again. I will continue to run my family’s retail shop after complete recovery.”