United States
Michael's Story

Michael joined Watsi on September 22nd, 2015. Seven years ago, Michael joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Michael's most recent donation traveled 9,000 miles to support Mary, a loving mom from Malawi, to fund a hysterectomy.

Impact

Michael has funded healthcare for 116 patients in 12 countries.

Patients funded by Michael

Luis Angel is student from Colombia. He is a very outgoing, cheerful, intelligent, and quick-witted boy who loves to explore the world around him. He is an excellent student and excels especially in math. He really enjoys playing and interacting with other children. He also loves to dance, sing and has a deep love for animals. He is an affectionate boy who constantly shows his care for others. Eight years ago, Luis Angel was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when the child cries, coughs, or strains. They can also cause visible swelling, making the belly button protrude, which sometimes leads to discomfort. At this stage, Luis Angel experiences abdominal pain, which sometimes makes it difficult for him to engage in activities, such as playing or participating in sports. Although it generally does not cause severe pain, it does cause discomfort that makes it difficult for him to perform daily activities, such as playing, jumping, and fully enjoying his childhood. Additionally, if not treated properly, there is a risk of complications. Fortunately, on June 24th, he will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luis Angel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Luis Angel's parent shared, "To anyone who wishes to support my son financially, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for thinking of a child’s well-being and future. Your help contributes to making my son’s dreams come true and gives him the opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. After the surgery, we hope he will be able to develop fully, without limitations, discomfort, or pain that prevent him from carrying out his daily and athletic activities. With this, he will be able to demonstrate his full potential and begin to chart his path toward fulfilling his dreams."

$493raised
$512to go

Jeronimo is a little boy from Colombia. He lives in Támesis, Antioquia, with his parents. He is curious and intelligent, full of dreams and eager to get ahead. Jeronimo was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Jeronimo has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Knowing of these future complications has been difficult for Jeronimo's family, especially given their financial circumstances. The opportunity to receive care would represent an immense blessing for their family and new hope for Jeronimo's future. Fortunately, Jeronimo will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 24th. Clinica Noel is requesting $1,167 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. His parents shared that they hope treatment will significantly transform Jeronimo's quality of life. Jeronimo's mother expresses her gratitude for the support, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every person who has supported my son. Your generous gesture goes far beyond material help; it is a sign of selfless love, faith in dreams, and light at a time when we urgently needed it. I cannot thank you enough. This surgery, which we have waited so long for, represents a great blessing and new hope for Jeronimo's health. After receiving this treatment, what we most desire is his speedy recovery, well-being, and a full life. We trust that God will bless you abundantly for this beautiful work and for the positive impact you have had on our lives."

$1,167raised
Fully funded

Grace is 47 years old and a single mother to one child from Malawi. She separated from her husband six years ago and moved away. Grace works as a store clerk for a company that sells motorcycle spare parts. Nine years ago, Grace began to experience troubling symptoms, including frequent episodes of intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Her health has significantly affected her daily activities, and she can no longer report to work. She now depends on her sister’s support, but her sister cannot afford the surgery costs, and Grace’s child is currently unemployed. This has led Grace to seek financial assistance. Grace first noticed pain in the upper right quadrant of her abdomen in 2016. She went to the hospital and was given only painkillers. Over time, the pain became intermittent, and she eventually got used to it and stopped seeking help. However, the episodes gradually increased in both frequency and severity, and they became associated with nausea, vomiting, and backaches. On November 12th, 2025, her condition worsened. She was taken to the hospital, where an abdominal ultrasound was performed. She was diagnosed with cholelithiasis, or stones in her gallbladder. Grace continues to experience other symptoms such as loose stools, swelling at the painful site on her right side, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, breathlessness due to intense pain, and weakness that requires assistance from others. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is able to help. On December 1st, Grace will undergo surgery to remove her gallbladder. She needs help to raise $1,244 to fund her procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve her quality of life. Grace shared, "I am in pain; kindly help me."

$1,244raised
Fully funded