Mackinnon EngenUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Sow kindness, sow empathy. Inspired every day @watsi đź’™

United States   •   June 5th   •   Watsi 🎉
Mackinnon's Story

Mackinnon joined Watsi on December 21st, 2019. Six years ago, Mackinnon joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Mackinnon's most recent donation traveled 2,600 miles to support Andrés, a 13-year-old boy from Colombia, to fund hernia repair surgery.

Team

Watsi

21 members

Impact

Mackinnon has funded healthcare for 245 patients in 17 countries.

Patients funded by Mackinnon

Segundo is a 59-year old man from the Philippines who works as a driver. His wife is unemployed, and they occasionally receive help with household expenses from their child, who runs a small business. Segundo has been living with thyroid concerns for the last year. Still, he pushes through to enjoy singing during special occasions and family gatherings. Segundo remains hopeful about his recovery and shared that undergoing free surgery would ease his family's financial stress and keep them from having to borrow money to pay for his treatment. A year ago, Segundo began to experience troubling symptoms, including periodic palpitations and a throbbing sensation in his eyes. He was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to heal. A recent ultrasound showed that the number and size of his thyroid nodules had increased, prompting concern from his family and a desire to have surgery before his condition worsens. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Segundo receive treatment. On August 29th, he will undergo a thyroidectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. Part of his treatment cost is covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Segundo's procedure and care. Segundo said, "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to receive free surgery. I look forward to getting better and continuing to enjoy singing and spending time with my family without worrying about my health."

$479raised
$456to go

Umali is a 34-year-old young man who lives with his parents in Malawi. Umali is the fourth-born in a family of five children, and works as a temporary salesman at a hardware store in town, earning a modest income that he uses not only to sustain himself but also to support his unemployed parents. Despite the financial challenges his family faces, Umali has always shouldered his responsibilities with dedication and resilience. Umali's health challenges began in 2024 when he noticed an intermittent swelling on the left side of his groin area. Concerned about the swelling and the discomfort it caused, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. He was subsequently referred to a higher facility for further management. While receiving care at the referral hospital, doctors also identified that he had haemorrhoids, in addition to the hernia. Over time, the haemorrhoids began bleeding, leaving Umali weak and increasingly worried about his health. Doctors recommended surgical intervention for both conditions, giving him hope that relief was finally within reach. Unfortunately, however, Umali had his surgery canceled several times due to scheduling constraints at the public hospital, and a lack of resources. Each hospital visit came with high costs for transport, accommodation, food, and lost working days. After spending considerable amounts of money and enduring repeated disappointments, Umali became frustrated and discouraged. His condition continued to worsen, affecting his ability to work effectively and reducing his already limited income. As the pain and discomfort intensified, he was advised to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope (PIH). Umali hesitated for months, fearing that he would not be able to afford treatment. However, when the symptoms became increasingly unbearable, Umali gathered the courage to visit PIH. Umali's diagnosis was confirmed and he has been scheduled for a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $917 to fund Umali's procedure, which has been scheduled for August 6th. Umali says: "The pain is too much, I am unable to focus. I have been admitted thrice at the referral hospital, but was not operated on. Kindly help me to have my surgery, so I can get better, my joy can resume, and I can continue supporting my parents. You are my last hope."

$848raised
$69to go

Jorgelis is a 10-year-old student from a town in Antioquia, Colombia. She is cheerful and intelligent, with a sweet energy that is contagious and leaves a special impression on everyone around her. Jorgelis dreams of becoming a great doctor when she grows up so she can help others. Since she was a few months old, Jorgelis has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. This condition causes discomfort or tenderness, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. The discomfort can also make it hard for kids to do everyday childhood activities, such as playing and jumping. If left untreated, there is a risk of developing future health complications. Jorgelis needs to undergo surgery to correct the hernia and prevent potential future complications. Fortunately, on May 28th, she will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Jorgelis's surgery. Jorgelis's family shared: "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made this donation for the surgery possible. This support means the world to our daughter and to us as a family. We trust in God and the doctors that everything will go well and that her recovery will be quick and successful. What we long for most is to see her healthy, happy, and full of life, so that she can continue to grow and fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor and helping many people."

$696raised
$309to go

Maria Fernanda is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. She is a sweet, kind-hearted girl full of dreams who enjoys spending time with others and leaves a special impression on everyone she meets. Her optimistic spirit and her ability to face challenges with courage are an inspiration to her family and to those who accompany her on her journey. Three years ago, Maria Fernanda 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 tenderness or discomfort around the navel, which becomes more noticeable when the child cries, coughs, or exerts himself. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. On October 20th, Maria Fernanda will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Maria Fernanda's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably. Maria Fernanda's mother said, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who are supporting her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally; that gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God abundantly bless your life and that of your family. Your support not only helps us meet a medical need but also restores our hope and peace of mind, knowing that MarĂ­a Fernanda will be able to receive the care she needs. We will always be grateful for this act of love and solidarity."

$1,005raised
Fully funded