ying's Story

ying joined Watsi on June 21st, 2015. Four years ago, ying joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. ying's most recent donation supported Flora, a resilient mother and refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to fund hysterectomy surgery.

Impact

ying has funded healthcare for 54 patients in 10 countries.

Patients funded by ying

Flora is a single mother of a baby boy aged 1.5 years. She is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who found herself in Malawi in the year 2022 in search of her sister Esperance. Flora grew up in her sister’s house since she lost all her parents through war. She shared that they got separated in 2016 during a war where Esperance's husband was killed and the family all scattered. Esperance, the sister, found herself in a refugee camp in Malawi in 2016 where Flora was able to trace her 6 years later. They both now run a saloon business which earns them a little income that helps to meet their needs. Flora was doing well until her recent pregnancy. During one of her antenatal clinics that was done at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), she was noted to have uterine fibroids through abdominal ultrasound scanning. She had a successful caesarian section in June 2022. However, since the birth of her child, Flora has been experiencing difficult symptoms leading to frequent blood transfusions due to anemia. Flora is weak at the moment and has been seeking medical attention frequently. On January 17th this year, Flora was taken back to KCH due a dangerous low blood level. She received three pints of whole blood, recovered, and was discharged home. On January 31st, she was seen by the gynecologist at KCH who recommended a hysterectomy but due to the long list at KCH, she is not able to be seen for many months. The gynecologist referred her to our medical partner's care center PIH for urgent attention due to her condition. Her sister brought her to PIH where the surgeon confirmed her diagnosis and the need for a total abdominal hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, including the cervix. Flora was then referred to the Watsi program due to her financial status. Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in a woman's uterus. Fibroids might become quite large leading to severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. If left untreated, fibroids continue to grow, both in size and number worsening the symptoms. The heavy bleeding may become worse causing anemia which may be fatal. Flora needs help raising $1,363 to fund her hysterectomy surgery scheduled for February 3rd. After the surgery, it is expected that Flora will be able to live her normal life, and continue taking care of her baby as she works hand-in-hand with her sister. Flora Said, “Kindly help me to get better. I have already come through a lot in my life."

$484raised
$879to go

Abdul is is charming, energetic, and friendly boy from Tanzania. He is four years old and the youngest member of a family comprising of four children, residing in Katundi village, Kigoma Region. Enrolling Abdul in school has posed challenges for his parents due to his difficulty in walking. Abdul was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. His legs curve inwards, significantly impacting his mobility. His school, situated 4 km from home, compounds the issue, making the daily walk difficult. The family faces financial hardships, relying on small-scale agriculture for sustenance without additional sources of income. They make ends meet primarily because of the relatively low cost of living in their village. Sponsorship from the church supports most of Abdul’s siblings’ education. Despite his physical condition, Abdul remains enthusiastic about life. He engages in playful activities, running around and enjoying time with his friends. The family became aware of Kafika House Care Centre through an outreach program, and Nomad Tours played a significant role in facilitating Abdul’s transportation to the facility. After examination, it was concluded that he would require surgical intervention to correct his deformity. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery and treatment for Abdul at their care center Kafika House. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 16th. Treatment will hopefully restore Abdul's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Abdul’s mother says: “I hope my son’s leg will be straight and he will be able to walk comfortably.”

$880raised
Fully funded

Kalar is a 53-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother and daughter in Htantabin Township, Yangon Division village. Kalar used to sell vegetables, but she stopped in October because her condition was worsening. Kalar's mother is a homemaker. Kalar's daughter left school three years ago because she couldn't afford the school fees. Currently, she is working in a restaurant. Their monthly income is not enough for their daily expenses, and they have to borrow money from their friends to make ends meet and pay for basic medical costs. In 2017, Kalar's upper abdomen was in pain, and she went to a hospital in the village. There, she received an ultrasound, and the doctor told her that she had a small stone in her gall bladder and she would need medication to reduce the stone. She felt much better after taking the medication, and she didn't go to any clinic or hospital after that. In October 2023, Kalar's symptoms returned, and she visited the hospital in the town where she received the ultrasound. At the hospital, the doctor confirmed that Kalar had a large gallstone and would require surgery to heal. She could not afford to pay for the surgery, so she received medication and returned home. Her condition gradually got worse. Kalar has not been eating or sleeping well and is in pain. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Kalar will be able to undergo gallbladder removal surgery on November 18th. BCMF requests $1,487 to cover Kalar's procedure and care costs. Kalar said, "I was upset because I couldn't work and support my mother and daughter. Now, I am so happy! I want to say thank you to all of the donors for supporting my surgery."

$950raised
$537to go

Davies is a 14-year-old student in the 9th grade. He is the firstborn in a family of 3 children. His parents separated a few years ago, and both he and his siblings were left in the custody of his mother who is working hard to raise them well. His mother sells utensils in a local market to provide for the family. During the school holidays in March this year, Davies stepped on a broken glass that left him with a deep cut on his foot. His mother took him to a health center where the bleeding was managed and the wound was stitched. However, after a few days back in school, his leg started to swell. He was diagnosed with a blood infection and given medication. The recovery was smooth and the swelling stopped, leaving a small blister on the leg. Davies started to walk again and went back to school. However, after a few weeks, the blister got worse. He has undergone an emergency debridement surgery, he urgently requires a flap cover surgery to heal. The condition has made it difficult for him to walk and attend school. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) is helping Davies receive treatment. On September 8th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help him walk easily again and resume his studies. Davies's family needs help raising $1,185 to fund the procedure and treatment. Davies’ mother says, “This treatment has really destabilized me and I can't provide for them as I used to. Davies loves school and he really wants to go back.”

$1,185raised
Fully funded