Cecelia OttenwellerUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Howdy, world!

United States   •   August 7th
Cecelia's Story

Cecelia joined Watsi on December 3rd, 2015. Six years ago, Cecelia joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Cecelia's most recent donation traveled 1,900 miles to support Emmah, a toddler from Haiti, to fund treatment leading up to, and following heart surgery.

Impact

Cecelia has funded healthcare for 92 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Cecelia

Emmah is a two-year-old girl from Haiti. She lives with her parents in Port-au-Prince. Her father is a mechanic, while her mother is a vendor. She likes listening to music and helping her mother in the kitchen. Emmah has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels near the heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and unable to gain weight properly. Emmah needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 20th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will use a device on the end of a catheter to plug the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. While another organization is contributing money to pay for surgery, Emmah's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Emmah's family overseas. Emmah's mother says, "I will be praying for everyone who is helping to heal my daughter's heart!"

$968raised
$532to go

Kuon is a 68-year-old grandmother from Cambodia. She lives in Battambang with her elderly husband and grandchildren. She has three children: her oldest child works as a car repairer, her second child works for a private company, and her youngest child is a taxi driver. She spends much of her time caring for her grandchildren. She also enjoys visiting the pagoda. Kuon developed a non-healing ulcer on her right cheek after suffering a burn while cooking. The wound remained open for about one year and was later diagnosed as invasive basal cell carcinoma. The ulcer has not healed and has a small area of dead tissue along its edge. Although it is not painful when touched, having a persistent lesion on her cheek affects her comfort and confidence in daily life. When Kuon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 10th, surgeons at CSC will perform a removal of the basal cell carcinoma from her right cheek, followed by reconstruction with a rhomboid flap to remove the cancerous lesion and reconstruct the affected area, helping the wound heal and restoring the appearance and function of her cheek. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $616 more to fund her procedure and care. Kuon said, “I hope the surgery will remove the ulcer on my cheek and help the area heal properly. I am looking forward to recovering and returning to my usual daily activities with more confidence.”

$90raised
$526to go

Ricarson is a 45-year-old man from Haiti. He lives by himself in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; he has seven siblings. He works primarily as an electrician, but also as a freelance journalist. Ricarson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly as a result of an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Ricarson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 12th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to the cost of the surgery. But Ricarson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover laboratory tests, medications, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Ricarson's family overseas. Richardson says, "I am looking forward to having the strength and energy I need to live my life, and would like to say thank you to everyone!"

$962raised
$538to go

Fritz is a 30-year-old man from the Philippines. He is the only member of his family with a stable job, and his income covers their house rent and daily expenses. Once an avid basketball player, Fritz has had to give up the sport because of his condition and now spends his free time watching videos on his phone instead. Access to surgery would help him return to work without pain, support his family, and regain the active life he once enjoyed. For six years, Fritz has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His hernia has become increasingly painful, making it difficult to perform the physical demands of his work, raising fears that he could lose his livelihood if his condition remains untreated. Fortunately, our medical partner can help Frtiz receive the care he needs. On July 24th, Fritz will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Fritz's treatment. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Fritz said, "I hope this surgery will allow me to work without pain again and continue providing for my family. I also look forward to playing basketball again once I have fully recovered."

$530raised
$508to go

Ma is a 46-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, three daughters, and a niece in a refugee camp in Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Song Province, Thailand. Her daughters are students, while Ma's husband works in a motorbike repair shop. Since November 2025, Ma has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and frequent urination. She has been diagnosed with a uterine myoma. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Ma's surgery. On May 20th, she will undergo gynecological surgery, which will help her resume her daily activities free of pain. Ma said, “I am concerned that the mass could be a cancer when I noted that it is getting bigger. I could not weave as I did before because of pain, and I feel the mass in my belly.”

$1,193raised
$307to go

Dah is a 29-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and son in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Originally from Karen State, Burma, they fled to the refugee camp due to armed conflict in their village in 2023. Her husband is a day labourer outside of the refugee camp, while she is a homemaker and looks after her young son. During her free time, she enjoys cleaning her house and cooking nice meals. In the future, she hopes to return to her village with her family and resume farming. Dah is pregnant, and her doctors recommend that she deliver via a cesarean 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 Dah undergo a C-Section on June 19th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Dah needs your support. Dah shared, “Here I cook, clean the house and take care of my family. I miss my village and my paddy farm, where I used to be a farmer. I hope to go back home.:

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Helena is a sweet and intelligent four-year-old girl who lives in Colombia with her family. Her joy and curiosity radiates every day, infecting those around her with her positive energy and tenderness. She enthusiastically shares with her peers, and her friendly nature always leaves an impression. When she grows up, she dreams of being a veterinarian, so she can care for animals. When Helena was born, her mother noticed a small lump in her belly button area, which has since grown in size. She has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct it and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, Helena is scheduled for surgery on March 31st at our medical partner's care center, Clínica Noel. Helena's family is requesting $786 to fund her treatment, which once completed, will hopefully allow her to live a healthier life, free from uncomfortable symptoms. Her family says: "Being able to live a peaceful life is a dream come true. Your support will not only finance a surgery, but it gives us hope, relief, and peace of mind. You are a true angel in our lives."

$786raised
Fully funded

Roland is a 36-year-old father from the Philippines. He has been living with a fistula for about 15 years. Initially, his symptoms were sporadic and self-resolving. However, flare-ups have become frequent, occurring every two months for the past two years. These episodes cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty sitting, forcing Roland to adjust his daily routine. After Roland traveled to our medical partner's care center, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, surgery was recommended to relieve his symptoms. While this has brought Roland hope, the estimated cost remains beyond his financial capacity, leaving him reliant on antibiotics for temporary relief. Despite his condition, Roland continues to support his family by helping run their small clothing business and taking on electrical work on the side. His condition limits his ability to fully participate in work, leisure activities, and caring for his children. His family strongly believes surgery would restore his quality of life, reduce recurring medical expenses, and ease the financial strain. Fortunately, Roland is scheduled to receive surgery on March 20th at the World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Our medical partner, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, is requesting $1,198 to fund this treatment. Access to surgical treatment would allow Roland to regain comfort, resume normal activities, and provide more stability for his household. Roland shared, "I’m looking forward to playing basketball again without pain and being able to sit comfortably while spending time with my children."

$1,198raised
Fully funded

Nipo is 50 years old and a hairstylist from the Philippines. Through his work, he is able to support his younger sisters. A year ago, Nipo began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain. He has been diagnosed with gallstones and needs to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Nipo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 21st. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nipo's surgery and care. Nipo shared, "I know the surgery would take away my pain and that my sisters would no longer have to be anxious about my condition. Because of our financial struggles, this treatment would not have been possible. I want to live normally like before."

$1,031raised
Fully funded

Grace is a two-year-old girl from Burma. She lives in a refugee camp in Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Ten years ago, her parents moved to the camp to escape the fighting in their village in Burma. Grace lives with her parents, older sister, two aunts, uncle, and her uncle’s wife. Grace’s mother raises pigs and chickens to sell in the camp, and her father is a day laborer. Since birth, Grace has had a hernia granuloma. Currently, Grace’s umbilicus produces bloody discharge every day. While Grace does not experience any pain, her mother’s anxiety grows each passing day. Fortunately, on January 19th, Grace will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Grace's hernia repair surgery. The procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Grace's mother shared, “I worry about what will happen to her if she doesn’t have this issue fixed now. The doctors told us that we needed to go to Chiang Mai for her treatment, which would cost a lot of money. We can't afford that. We don’t know what will happen to her.” Grace’s mom is extremely thankful to the donors for their financial support. She said, “Thank you so much to the donors for helping my child. I want to say so much, but I don’t know what to say. God has finally found a way for my child to receive treatment.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Ada is a young student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a school custodian, and her teenage sister. Ada loves to sing; she is very friendly and has a strong personality. In 2022, Ada was diagnosed with 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. On December 10th, Ada 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. Ada's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical fees, follow-up care, and medications. Ada's mother says, "My daughter is in God's hands; I pray He can heal her through these wonderful doctors."

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Mimi is 27 years old and a stay-at-home mother from Ethiopia. In 2015, the house she was living in burned down and fell on top of her. Mimi was badly injured, and her hand was severely burned. It took 24 hours before she received help, which resulted in her hand contracting and stiffening, making routine, daily activities extremely difficult for her. Now, ten years later, Mimi relies on her parents and siblings to support herself and her son, as she is unable to work. When Mimi learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, she traveled for 24 hours to seek treatment. On November 25th, surgeons will perform burn contracture release surgery, which should enable her to take care of herself and her child. Mimi and our medical partner are seeking $500 to fund this procedure. "My goal is beyond physical healing; I am determined to achieve independent renewal and fully control the quality of my life," said Mimi.

$500raised
Fully funded