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Wouter SpekkinkUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Wouter's Story

Wouter joined Watsi on February 18th, 2026. Nine months ago, Wouter joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Wouter's most recent donation supported Separa, a three-year-old girl from Ethiopia, to fund a tonsillectomy.

Impact

Wouter has funded healthcare for 9 patients in 5 countries.

Patients funded by Wouter

Separa is a three-year-old girl from Ethiopia. She lives with her mother and her six-year-old brother. Her father left when she was one year old, and her mother has raised the two children alone ever since. Separa's health problems started when she was just six months old, when she began having trouble with her tonsils again and again. When she was one, she had surgery to help her. For about three months she was better, but then her symptoms came back, and this time they were worse. She snores loudly every night and breathes through her mouth, even during the day. At night, her breathing becomes blocked while she sleeps, and she suddenly wakes up gasping for air. Separa has enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Separa, which is scheduled to take place on October 10th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Separa of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Separa shared, "I just want my daughter to breathe and sleep well. She has suffered since she was a baby. I pray this surgery ends it."

$167raised
$533to go

Rosany is a 52-year-old woman from the Philippines. She supports her children by selling various items in her small store. She enjoys watching noontime shows and singing with her family. Rosany is currently experiencing troubling symptoms, including heavy bleeding. She was diagnosed with a myoma, a noncancerous tumor that develops from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. She needs to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, a procedure where surgeons will remove all or part of her uterus. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is helping Rosany undergo surgery on September 19th. She needs help raising $1,391 to fund her procedure and care. This treatment will help improve her quality of life and prevent future health complications. Rosany shared, "I am very grateful for this assistance because the cost of surgery is more than my family can afford. I look forward to receiving treatment, recovering, and continuing to provide for my children."

$868raised
$523to go

Huzeyefa is a playful and cheerful 13-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys reading religious books with his brother and sisters, and helping his parents in their farming work. Huzeyefa and his family live in the Central Region of Ethiopia. He is the third child in a family of six children, and is currently in Grade 3. Huzeyefa condition was first noticed by his aunt when he visted her in Addis Ababa. While bathing him, she noticed that something was quite not right. Concerned, she took him to the nearest health centre, where he was referred to a higher-level hospital for further evaluation. “I was very anxious. My heart was broken, and I couldn’t sleep well. I was very worried when I heard that Huzeyfa needed surgery," his aunt shared. Huzeyefa was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. The doctors placed Huzeyefa on a long surgery wait list, and informed the family that he might have to wait for up to a year to undergo surgery. This news worried his aunt because Huzeyfa needed to return home to continue his education. In addition, his family could not afford the cost of surgery at a private hospital. Three weeks later, Huzeyfa’s aunt received encouraging news. The higher-level hospital had referred Huzeyfa to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). At BKMCM, Huzeyfa was scheduled for surgery on August 10th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Huzeyfa receive treatment, and is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Huzeyfa's aunt shared: "Thank you so much for all your support, kindness, and care. May God bless you with good health, long life, and abundant blessings. I am truly grateful to each one of you. My prayer is that Huzeyfa will recover well, continue his education, and grow into a successful person with a bright future. Thank you all so much."

$1,095raised
$198to go

Jonathan is a 46-year-old farmer from the Philippines. He has been unable to work due to his current condition. One year ago, Jonathan began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, which caused him extreme difficulty moving. Jonathan was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised 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), Jonathan is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on July 17th. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Jonathan's surgery and care. Jonathan shared, "I am grateful for the chance to receive surgery because it gives me hope of getting back on my feet. I look forward to returning to work and providing for my family again."

$512raised
$519to go

Roberto is a resilient 56-year-old man from the Philippines. He is currently unemployed and relies on his brother for food and daily support. He had previously worked as a messenger but had to stop after being advised by the doctor to avoid lifting heavy objects. Two months ago, Roberto was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has caused him anxiety and has prevented him from working. Doctors have recommended a hernia repair surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 16th, Roberto will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Roberto says, "Many thanks to the foundation and to all the people who helped me and became instruments of God in supporting me through this difficult time. May God continue to guide, protect, and bless you, and may your kindness be returned to you many times over."

$537raised
$501to go

Nidhi is a 16-year-old girl from India. She lives in Mirzamurad, a village near Varanasi in northern India. She lives with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Her father works as a halwai, preparing traditional Indian sweets to support the family. Nidhi is currently in the 9th grade and loves dancing. When she was just 2½ years old, Nidhi accidentally fell into a container of hot sugar syrup being used to make gulab jamuns, a sweet dessert. She sustained severe burns to her right chest and arm. Although she received wound care at the time, her family was unable to access reconstructive surgery. As Nidhi grew, the burn scars tightened and developed into contractures, affecting her right breast and elbow. These scars have restricted movement and altered her appearance during adolescence, a time when many young people become increasingly aware of their bodies and self-image. Nidhi's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On June 19th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight burn scars on Nidhi’s right chest and elbow, improving both movement and comfort. The procedure is expected to increase the range of motion in her arm, making everyday activities such as dressing, writing, carrying schoolbooks, and participating in household tasks easier. The surgery will also address the contracture affecting her right breast, allowing for more normal development and reducing the physical discomfort and asymmetry caused by the scar tissue. By reducing the limitations caused by her burn scars, the surgery will allow Nidhi to participate more freely in school, social activities, and her favourite hobby, dancing. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Nidhi shared, "I hope this treatment will make everyday activities easier for me."

$1,442raised
Fully funded

Wisnaida is a 16-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and three younger siblings. Her father is a music teacher, and her mother is a merchant. In her free time, Wisnaida enjoys singing. When Wisnaida was younger, she developed an infection that damaged her heart and led to a cardiac condition known as rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Because of this condition, one of the valves of her heart does not open and close properly, causing backwards blood flow, poor circulation, and fatigue. Without treatment, Wisnaida is at risk of valve enlargement and early heart failure. Thankfully, Wisnaida will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 24th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally. If they are unable to do so, they will remove it and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Mitral Foundation, is contributing $10,000 to pay for surgery. Now, Wisnaida's family needs help to fund the costs of related care. 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 Wisnaida's family overseas. Wisnaida shares, "I am praying that this surgery goes well so that I feel stronger and healthier!"

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Serah is a jovial lady from Kenya. When you see Serah laughing or talking, you might think she is youthful. However, Serah is 84 years old according to her ID card, although she says she is actually older than that. Serah’s father advised her to remain at her parents’ home, and that is where she continued living, as she had separated from her husband years ago. As she grew older, one of her brother’s sons took her in so she could live with his family. Sometime in the middle of last month, during the ongoing rains and wet conditions, Serah slipped and fell, injuring her left hand. She was taken to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she had sustained a closed fracture of the radius and ulna. A surgery was performed. However, a follow-up control X-ray later showed that the screws were becoming displaced, and Serah now requires a repeat surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 9th, Serah will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will help alleviate the pain and prevent a deformity. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund Serah's procedure. "I live a life of disturbing my siblings' children. I hope I can get someone to help me so that I can be operated on and be able to remain independent," said Serah.

$1,048raised
Fully funded

Linus is a 29-year-old man from Kenya. Born in a large family of 12 children, Linus was not able to complete his studies as his parents could not afford school fees for Linus and his siblings. He was working as a casual laborer, but jobs were tough and inconsistent. Through hard work, he was able to purchase a second-hand public service vehicle, which provides him with a modest but honest living. Linus has two children, but they are living with their mother, with whom Linus is no longer in communication. On January 13th, Linus's life changed dramatically. He was assaulted with a machete and sustained multiple severe injuries. He suffered fractures of the left distal radius and ulna, open infected fractures of the left distal tibia and fibula, and cortical disruption of the right tibia. He received first aid treatment and was transferred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. Surgeons were able to treat his wounds and fractures on his arm, hand, and ankle. However, Linus still needs contracture release and a skin graft surgery to facilitate healing and regain strength and mobility. He has used up his government medical insurance because of his multiple procedures, and now needs help to raise funds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Linus receive treatment. On February 16th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help him use his hand easily again. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Linus says, "I am in the hospital fighting alone, the people that assaulted me are well known to me, I don't know why they did that to me. I thank God they didn't kill me. Hoping for recovery, please help me."

$1,239raised
Fully funded