Lydia is a 78-year-old woman from Uganda and has raised 7 children (the youngest of which is 27 years old). Both Lydia and her husband are small-scale farmers. She lives in a four-bedroom home with her husband and several family members. For over a year, Lydia has suffered from a right inguinal hernia. She has pain and swelling in her abdomen that has worsened over time. Even with the increasing pain, she has continued to tend to her farm, as she needs the produce and income to support herself and her family. Lydia underwent a thyroidectomy in December 2021, which Watsi helped to fund. While the hernia existed at the time, the thyroidectomy took priority as it was a more urgently needed procedure. Fortunately, on February 16th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery by surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), at their care center, Rushoroza Hospital. AMH is requesting $170 to fund Lydia's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Lydia says, “My prayer is to get well, and I believe I will be well after surgery so that I may be able to continue farming comfortably.”

Maria is a 59-year-old lady from Kenya. She is married and has six children; all grown up and working manual jobs to support themselves. Maria and her husband depend on their small farm. For over 5 years Maria has had abdominal pains, especially in the epigastric region. She has been treated many times in different hospitals. This year the pain became much worse and a scan showed a she has cholelithiasis. She came to Nazareth Hospital and our partner surgeon advised her to have a laparotomy. Unfortunately, due to hereconomic status, Maria and her family cannot manage to raise the $788 cost for this treatment. If not treated, Maria will continue to have the pain and may have more complications like pancreatitis or gall bladder obstruction. “I have stayed in pain for many years and even my children are tired of taking me to the hospital every time. I am kindly hoping to have this sponsorship so that I can be treated once and for all so that my life can be normal again. My family lives a life of struggle, we cannot make it to pay for this surgery, so I will appreciate and thank God if helped,” said Maria quietly.

Hor is a sweet and curious toddler from Cambodia and the only child in her family. Her mother works in a garment factory, while her father works as a motorbike mechanic. Like many toddlers, her mother shared that Hor loves to eat milk and fruit as well as stay busy playing with her toys! In mid-January, Hor fell while she was playing and dislocated her elbow. She is experiencing pain and cannot use her arm properly. Fortunately, her parents were able to bring her to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for review. On February 9th, Hor will undergo surgery to reduce her pain and improve her mobility. CSC is requesting $485 to cover the cost of this procedure, and Hor's family was able to contribute $75 to her care. Her mom shared, "I hope her arm will get better, so she feels better."