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Eliza's Story

Eliza joined Watsi on June 28th, 2019. Seven years ago, Eliza joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Eliza's most recent donation supported Cloryn, a 43-year-old woman from the Philippines, to fund a thyroidectomy.

Impact

Eliza has funded healthcare for 91 patients in 11 countries.

Patients funded by Eliza

Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

$218raised
$541to go

Yesak is a joyful two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is known for his bright smile, active nature, and love for playing with his friends. He enjoys playing football and riding his bicycle. As the first child of his parents, he is curious, intelligent, and quick to remember new things. He loves exploring his surroundings, spending time with other children, and learning through play. Yisak lives with his parents in a rented house. His father works in the insurance sector, while his mother works as a messenger. Yesak was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Yesak's parents first discovered his condition when they took him for circumcision. During the visit, the doctor explained the condition to them. The news left the family worried and frustrated, but the doctor reassured them that the condition was treatable and advised them not to lose hope. The doctor referred Yisak to a higher-level hospital for specialized treatment when he became older. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Yesak is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 26th, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Yisak's father said, "Thank you very much. We were warmly welcomed and treated with kindness by the staff. The services provided were professional and exceeded our expectations. We are grateful for the care and support given to Yisak and hopeful for a positive outcome for his condition."

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Susan is a six-year-old girl from Kenya. From an early age, Susan experienced delayed developmental milestones. She was only able to sit at eight months and did not begin walking until she was two years old. As she grew, her parents noticed that she had difficulty speaking and pronouncing words. They hoped that, with time, she would improve, but the challenges persisted. Her parents enrolled her in school, believing that interacting with other children would help her learn to communicate better. Unfortunately, Susan continued to struggle both academically and socially. While her peers progressed to the next grade, she had to repeat a class because she was unable to keep up with communication and learning activities. Seeking help, her family first took her to a nearby hospital, and later, through a friend’s recommendation, she was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. After undergoing audiology assessments, Susan was diagnosed with severe hearing loss. The major reason she cannot speak clearly is that she is unable to hear properly. When her parents learned the cost of hearing aids, they were worried. Susan’s father depends on casual construction and farming jobs to provide for his wife and their three children, while her mother works as a waitress at a local food joint. Despite working tirelessly, the family cannot afford the support Susan urgently needs. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Susan receive treatment. On 21st May, she will be fitted with hearing aids that will improve her hearing. With consistent speech therapy, her communication skills will also improve, so she catch up with her peers. Now, Susan's parents are seeking support to raise $1,171, to aid in treatment for their daughter's hearing, help her find her voice, and continue her education with confidence alongside other children her age. Susan’s mother says, “Susan is a very active and bright child, but because she cannot hear properly, she struggles to keep up with other children her age. Being able to hear would help her speak more clearly, interact confidently, and progress well in her education.”

$1,171raised
Fully funded

Moses is a 27-year-old man from Kenya. He is single and lives with his parents. He earns a living selling second-hand shoes, while his father works as a construction worker. On January 1st, 2026, Moses was involved in a road accident. He was traveling on a motorbike when another motorbike lost control and struck him on the right side, causing injuries to his right arm and right leg. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where first aid was administered, and he was subsequently discharged. Moses later came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further treatment and has since undergone several surgeries to manage injuries to his arm and leg. His recovery has been steady; however, further imaging revealed that his jaw was fractured and requires a mandible ORIF. Since the accident, Moses has been unable to open his mouth and has been on a liquid diet. He is currently in pain and requires surgery, but his insurance coverage has been fully exhausted. The family already has an outstanding hospital bill and has been unable to raise additional funds. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 16th, Moses will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will enable him to undergo the necessary surgery, begin his recovery, and resume a normal diet. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Moses says, “I am in constant pain. My mouth feels stuck, and I haven’t been able to eat properly since the accident.”

$1,115raised
Fully funded

Hannah is a mother of four from Kenya. Her husband, the family’s sole breadwinner, earns a modest income through casual construction work. Their older children, aged 14, 6, and 2, are currently under the care of a relative while he stays at the hospital to support Hannah and their newborn. Hannah is grateful to be alive after narrowly escaping death on the 22nd of November 2025. She was on her way home on a motorbike with her six-year-old son when a lorry lost control and struck them. At the time, Hannah was 33 weeks pregnant. Although both of them survived the crash, they were left badly injured. Well-wishers rushed them to a nearby hospital, where they received first aid. Over the next five days, Hannah and her son remained in severe pain with no improvement. Concerned, they came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further evaluation. Scans revealed that Hannah had a fractured right leg requiring surgery. Even more alarming, it was discovered that her water had broken during the accident, something she had not noticed, putting her unborn baby at serious risk. Hannah and her son were immediately admitted for urgent care. On the same day, Hannah underwent an emergency caesarean section to safely deliver her baby, followed by external fixation surgery on her leg. Her son also received external fixation surgery to treat his leg injury. Thankfully, all procedures were successful, and after one week, both mother and child are making commendable progress. Hannah still requires a skin graft on her injured leg. She continues to experience significant pain and swelling, and the procedure is essential for her recovery. Unfortunately, her insurance coverage has been exhausted after paying for her surgeries and her son’s. With three outstanding medical bills, Hannah's and those of her two sons, her husband has been unable to gather the funds needed for the upcoming surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Hannah receive treatment. On December 10th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help heal her leg and regain her mobility. Now, Hannah needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Hannah shared, “I am still frightened when I recall how close we came to losing our lives. My greatest hope is to walk again and be present for my children."

$1,185raised
Fully funded

Brian is a humble and respectful 23-year-old man from Kenya. He shares that he has always been a person who puts the needs of others before his own. Being the fourth in a family of seven children, Brian works as a seasonal farmer, mainly planting tomatoes and tending to mango orchards. He owns 2 mango trees that were given to him by his parents. This year has been especially difficult for Brian and his family. Heavy rains and mudslides in their region affected the transportation of their produce, resulting in significant losses. Despite these challenges, Brian remains committed to supporting his younger siblings. Having studied up to Form Four, he works tirelessly so that they can access the education he was unable to access. On the afternoon of 24th November, Brian was picking mangoes for home consumption when he accidentally stepped on a dry mango branch. He fell down and sustained injuries to his hand and leg. He was rushed to the nearest health facility where his injuries were initially managed through immobilization and pain medication. He was then referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. Upon arrival, an X-ray revealed a fracture to his forearm and his pelvic region. He was admitted immediately, and after an orthopedic consultation, it was determined that he requires ORIF surgery (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) to properly correct the fracture of the right forearm. The pelvic fracture is expected to resolve on its own, so will hopefully not need surgery. Brian, however, does not have any health insurance coverage, and after paying for consultation and the X-ray, his family is unable to raise money for further treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Brian receive treatment. On November 25th, Brian will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The procedure will help promote his healing, and allow him to regain hand function. Now, Brian needs help to fund this $861 procedure. Brian says, "I have learnt that medical cover is important, and when I fully recover, I plan to register to the national social health insurance scheme. Please help me, so that I can be able to work with my hand in the farm once again, after I fully recover."

$861raised
Fully funded