S
Savinay NangaliaUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Savinay's Story

Savinay joined Watsi on September 19th, 2016. Ten years ago, Savinay joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Savinay's most recent donation supported Obsa, an 11-year-old boy from Ethiopia, to fund a tonsillectomy.

Impact

Savinay has funded healthcare for 110 patients in 14 countries.

Patients funded by Savinay

Obsa is 11 years old and a fifth-grader from Ethiopia. His father is a merchant, while his mother is a homemaker who looks after Obsa and his siblings. When he was just two years old, Obsa started to experience difficult breathing, snoring, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite. Over the years, the symptoms have gotten worse, affecting his growth, development, and concentration in school. Obsa was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Obsa, which is scheduled to take place on October 3rd. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Obsa of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Obsa's parents shared, "We hope that the successful surgical removal of his chronically enlarged tonsils will bring a permanent end to the breathing, eating, and sleeping difficulties that have plagued him for over nine years."

$168raised
$532to go

Moo is a 40-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her two children and husband in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her family fled Burma because a military airstrike hit her village. Moo is a homemaker, while her husband is an agricultural day laborer. Her two children are students in the camp. During her free time, she enjoys playing with her children and knitting hammocks. Mooo is pregnant, and doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Moo undergo a C-Section on September 17th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Moo needs your support. Moo said, “I do not think that I will need to give birth through C-section. I was worried and could not sleep at night. Knowing that you will help cover the cost for me, I am relieved. Thank you so much for helping me and my family.”

$970raised
$530to go

Ly Chheng is a 77-year-old man from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his wife and their third child, who works as a tailor. He has six children in total, all of whom are married and have their own jobs. He is no longer working, and in his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. Ly Chheng has severe cervical spinal stenosis, a condition in which narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord. He has experienced intermittent numbness and weakness in his hands and extremities for approximately four to five years, with his symptoms becoming progressively worse since early 2026. He now experiences numbness and weakness in both hands, hand clumsiness, difficulty walking steadily, and frequent urges to urinate. He also has neck stiffness and pain that can extend toward his shoulders. These symptoms have made it increasingly difficult for him to move around safely and manage his daily activities independently. Ly Chheng's family was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek specialized care. On August 17th, surgeons at CSC plan to perform cervical spine decompression to relieve pressure on his spinal cord and help prevent further deterioration. The surgery costs $1,500, and his family can contribute $50, but they need help covering the remaining $1,450. After surgery, he hopes to have less numbness and weakness, walk more steadily, and become more independent in his daily activities. Ly Chheng said, “I hope the treatment will relieve the pressure on my spinal cord, improve the numbness and weakness in my hands, and help me walk more steadily. I want to be more independent and able to manage my daily activities more comfortably.”

$914raised
$536to go

Sue is a 25-year-old man from Burma. He was a soldier and now lives at a safe house. Before he enlisted, he was a farmer. He has no income, but is given food and shelter. He usually goes to the army camp clinic for primary healthcare services. In his free time, he loves to exercise. On the 17th of October 2023, Sue sustained injuries to both of his legs from a landmine at the frontline. The medic provided initial first aid to stop the bleeding and promptly referred him to a hospital, where the doctors performed a right below-knee amputation and applied an external fixator to his left leg. Months later, he had to undergo both internal and external fixation surgery to help his leg heal. Now, the fracture has healed, and the rod must be removed to help improve his strength and mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. On July 17th, Sue will undergo surgery to remove the rod, and he needs your support to fund this $1,500 procedure. Sue said, "After this treatment, I would find an electronic training that I can learn with my hands for my future career. Thank you for helping me with all my treatment costs."

$1,002raised
$498to go

50-year-old Snollah is a small-scale businesswoman who sells tomatoes in her neighborhood in Malawi. Together, she and her husband have three children, the youngest of whom is still in school. Snollah's husband is a quantity surveyor who is currently unable to work, due to a diagnosis of prostate cancer, for which he is receiving treatment. For about three years now, Snollah has been experiencing backaches, lower abdominal pains and a lack of appetite. At first, she was treated for epigastric pain, but when that didn't work, she returned to the hospital, where scans revealed several large, uterine fibroids. Because of the size of these tumors, they are considered to be potentially dangerous, as they can cause pressure on other organs. She was informed that she would need to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,363 to fund Snollah's surgery, which is scheduled to take place on June 8th, at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Snollah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain, and to continue to support her husband. She says, "I experience fullness in my belly which is very uncomfortable. Your support will provide comfort and help me be a supportive mother."

$949raised
$414to go

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Camila is a sweet young girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who maintains a small store from home so that she has more time to spend caring for her daughter. Camila has five older siblings. She likes to go to school, and she loves to paint. When Camila was a baby, doctors told her mom she had a heart condition that may close with time, but as she has grown older, the heart condition has affected her health more and more. Camila also has developmental disabilities. Camila has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect, where a hole exists between the two lower chambers of the heart that causes blood to leak as the heart pumps. Camila's condition prevents blood from circulating in her body normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. On April 15th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, a patch will be sewn over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Camila's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Camila's mother shared, "I'm so happy my daughter can receive the treatment she needs. We were waiting for a long time."

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Nicolás dreams of becoming a soccer player when he grows up. He is a cheerful, intelligent boy with a big heart. He likes to take care of others and enjoys spending time with his friends. He currently lives in Jericó with his family. Approximately two years ago, Nicolás was examined for the first time by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed him with multiple deep cavities. Since then, he has been under observation, but the progression of the disease has caused intense and persistent pain, inflammation, pus accumulation, and difficulties eating and sleeping. The process has been complex due to Nicolás's young age, so it was finally determined that the treatment must be performed under general anesthesia. Fortunately, our medical partner, Clínica Noel, will perform Nicolás's procedure on March 27th. They are requesting $868 to cover the treatment costs. This will not only relieve his physical pain but also allow him to regain his well-being and quality of life. Nicolás's mother shares, "I hope Nicolás can regain his smile and the quality of life that every child deserves. Seeing someone who doesn't know him personally get involved with such love is the purest reflection of human kindness. May God continue to bless you and guide your every step in this noble mission. As a mother, I would tell you that people like you are very rare, and that you should not stop doing this beautiful thing for those who really need it. I am sure that Nicolás would be deeply happy and grateful for your help."

$868raised
Fully funded

Samuel is a 27-year-old father of two from Kenya. He previously worked as a casual laborer at a milk processing company and was very committed to providing for his family. In 2019, a neighbor asked Samuel for help picking mangoes. He accidentally fell and sustained a spinal injury that led to paralysis. Over time, he was able to move around using a wheelchair, but he could not go back to work. His wife is now the family’s breadwinner, taking on any casual jobs available. On the 24th of January, 2026, Samuel accidentally fell from the bed and landed on his left leg, resulting in a closed fracture. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 16th, Samuel will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will prevent complications such as nonunion of the bone, and his situation will become even more difficult, as he may remain permanently bedridden. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund this procedure. Samuel shared, "I have waited, but my family is not able to pay the fee for this surgery. I would really appreciate it if helped, so that I can be operated. This will relieve my pain, and at least I can be well enough to move around rather than be in bed throughout."

$1,048raised
Fully funded

Moses is a 27-year-old man from Kenya. He is single and lives with his parents. He earns a living selling second-hand shoes, while his father works as a construction worker. On January 1st, 2026, Moses was involved in a road accident. He was traveling on a motorbike when another motorbike lost control and struck him on the right side, causing injuries to his right arm and right leg. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where first aid was administered, and he was subsequently discharged. Moses later came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further treatment and has since undergone several surgeries to manage injuries to his arm and leg. His recovery has been steady; however, further imaging revealed that his jaw was fractured and requires a mandible ORIF. Since the accident, Moses has been unable to open his mouth and has been on a liquid diet. He is currently in pain and requires surgery, but his insurance coverage has been fully exhausted. The family already has an outstanding hospital bill and has been unable to raise additional funds. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 16th, Moses will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will enable him to undergo the necessary surgery, begin his recovery, and resume a normal diet. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Moses says, “I am in constant pain. My mouth feels stuck, and I haven’t been able to eat properly since the accident.”

$1,115raised
Fully funded

Faith is a 15-year-old 5th grader from Kitui County in Kenya, the firstborn in a family of two children. Her mother, who is a single parent, works as a hawker, selling shoes to support the family. Despite challenges, Faith and her mother have always remained hopeful. Faith loves plaiting and braiding hair, and she dreams of one day being able to stand and walk like other children. Faith was born with diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and clubfoot (CTEV), conditions that have limited her mobility since childhood. She cannot stand on her own and uses a wheelchair to move around. Faith was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital by her grandmother. At the moment, she is undergoing serial casting in preparation for club foot surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Faith receive treatment. On December 9th, she is scheduled to undergo repair surgery, providing her the opportunity to stand, walk on her own and gain independence. Now, Faith's family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure. Faith's grandmother says: “My prayer is to see Faith stand and walk like other children, and to continue with her education without any challenges."

$1,286raised
Fully funded

Nyi is a 38-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife and two children in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. Now he is a general day laborer, while his wife is a homemaker. One of his children is attending kindergarten, and the other one is too young to enroll in school. Their monthly income is just enough to cover their expenses, and sometimes, their wife’s friend, who works in Bangkok, supports them with their household's basic needs. In May 2024, Nyi noticed a swollen mass that caused him pain and discomfort. He visited the local clinic, where he underwent a physical examination, and after that, he had excisional surgery and was treated with oral antibiotics and painkillers. After the surgery, the symptoms initially disappeared, but in April 2025, the symptoms reappeared. His symptoms persisted, so he was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital (MSH), in October 2025. Doctors advised him that he needs surgery to remove the mass. Currently, Zaw experiences pain, swelling, and discomfort. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Zaw receive treatment. He is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on November 6th. He is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Nyi expressed his feelings and said, “I feel depressed due to anxiety about my health. As a result of my condition, I have been unable to work properly, further reducing my family’s income. As a migrant, I faced financial difficulties and could not afford my treatment. However, thank you very much to the Burma Children's Medical Fund and the donors for assisting with my treatment costs. After I fully recover, I can go back to work and support my family.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded