Mikala Kennell

United States   •   July 20th   •   AIS
Mikala's Story

Mikala joined Watsi on December 23rd, 2021. 20 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Mikala's most recent donation traveled 8,500 miles to support Blessing, a four-year-old girl from Kenya, to fund fracture repair surgery.

Impact

Mikala has funded healthcare for 57 patients in 12 countries.

Patients funded by Mikala

Blessing is a bright four-year-old girl, the youngest of two children from Kenya. She had recently joined play school, and her parents describe her as humble, full of humor, and always wearing an infectious smile. Her family comes from Nakuru County, where her parents work hard to provide for their children. Her father is a mechanic earning a small daily income, and her mother is a businesswoman who has had to pause her work to care for the children. One afternoon while playing at school, Blessing fell. She was in severe pain and unable to move her upper arm. At the hospital, a closed reduction with pinning was done, and later a cast was applied. Unfortunately, they were not advised on physiotherapy, and although the fracture healed, she was left with elbow stiffness and a limited range of motion. Concerned that their daughter’s arm was not recovering well, and with growing hope for her full healing, her parents travelled to seek better care. Blessing was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital. The pediatric surgeon recommends surgery that will correct the alignment of her bones and restore her arm function. On November 18th, Blessing will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help her use her hand easily again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Blessing's mother says, "My daughter is indeed a blessing, as her name states. We've seen God in everything we do, and we hope for blessings always through her life. Please help my daughter so that she can have a functional hand with a good range of motion before she goes to school."

$1,014raised
Fully funded

Metsenot is an eager and curious 19-month-old boy from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He loves exploring his surroundings and spending playtime with his older sister. His mother is a devoted housewife, while his father works as a security guard for a government institution, striving to support the family despite their financial challenges. When Metsenot's mother gave birth to him, doctors discovered that he had multiple birth conditions. He was immediately referred to specialists for surgery for spina bifida. The family was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, especially when the doctor informed them that their baby’s chances of survival were slim. His mother was heartbroken, and the recovery process was difficult, as the wound took twenty days to heal. Metsenot's mother continues to visit the hospital every three months to manage his recurrent urinary tract infections, which have added to the family’s emotional and financial strain. Metsenot was also diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Metsenot has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Metsenot's family worried that they would not be able to afford treatment, but found renewed hope through BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre, our medical partner's care center. Metsenot will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 21st. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Metsenot's mother expressed her heartfelt wishes, saying, "I long for my child to be healthy and thrive like other children. I am truly grateful for all the support we have received."

$754raised
Fully funded

Emily is a 10-year-old girl who lives in Medellín, Antioquia, with her mother and grandmother, who have been fundamental pillars in her upbringing. She stands out for her intelligence, education, and strong values, especially her respect for others. Her empathy makes her a great friend, always willing to listen and understand those around her, and her shy nature makes her even more charming. Passionate about dancing, Emily finds in music a way to express herself freely. And if there is one thing that makes her smile just thinking about it, it's pasta: her favorite food. Emily is a student and stands out at school as an exemplary student: she is attentive, active, and committed to all her duties. Her dedication and curiosity make her a student admired by her teachers and classmates. One year ago, Emily was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a bulge at the belly button caused by abdominal contents pushing through a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall. The condition has been causing her discomfort and tenderness in the navel area, especially when crying, coughing, or doing any strenuous activity. The discomfort has made it difficult for her to play, jump, or participate in physical activities, limiting her ability to fully enjoy her childhood. Fortunately, our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is helping Emily receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo repair surgery, alleviating her symptoms and enabling her to live a healthier life. Now, Emily's family needs help to fund this $786 procedure. Emily's mother said, "Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Your act of kindness will make a huge difference in my daughter's life and in our family. We are deeply grateful for your compassion, for supporting us at a time when we need it most. Thank you for believing in Emily, and for helping us give her a fuller childhood, with opportunities that will shape her future."

$786raised
Fully funded

Poe is a 16-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his mother, stepfather, four siblings, and a nephew in Karen State, Burma. His mother is a homemaker, and his stepfather is a subsistence farmer. Poe dropped out of school to learn how to be a mechanic. He helps his father, who drives for the monastery. Poe occasionally receives some money from his father. In his free time, Poe enjoys playing cane ball and football with his friends. On June 30th, 2025, Poe and a friend drove a motorbike to visit his father. As it was raining when he drove uphill, the motorbike skidded, and they fell off. Poe lost consciousness and could not recall the incident. He broke both of his left upper and lower jaw as well as his left clavicle. Due to limited finances, Poe didn't receive surgery right away. He continues to experience pain in his left jaw and left clavicle. He cannot open his mouth, speak, or chew; he can only eat soft food. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Poe will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for July 21st and will cost $1,500. This surgery will help Poe be able to eat and chew properly again, and he will no longer be in pain. Poe said, “I hope that I can recover soon so that I can play with my friends again. I also plan to learn to fix cars.” Poe’s mother is thankful to BCMF and the donors. She said, “I do not know what to say, but without your help, we will have to borrow a lot of money. Thank you for helping us.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Titus is a 40-year-old man from Kenya who is married with three children, all of whom are in school. Titus used to work for a transportation company but had to resign due to his medical condition. He practices small-scale farming, growing potatoes to provide for his family. In December, Titus was in an accident that caused him to sustain an open fracture of the left tibia. He was brought to a nearby facility, where the doctors gave him a splint and advised him to undergo surgery. Due to financial constraints, he opted to transfer to a facility near his home for the surgery. Following the procedure, at his regular check-up, the medical team noticed that his wound was open and not healing properly, and the exposed hardware from the surgery was causing him pain. He then visited our medical partner's hospital for further help. He met with the orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis, a bone infection. Titus needs to undergo a series of surgeries to heal. He has undergone a successful procedure through his national insurance to remove the implant and now requires two more procedures. Titus is requesting financial help for his final surgeries to heal his wound and fracture fully. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On April 14th, Titus will undergo a skin graft procedure. AMH is requesting $1,183 to fund this surgery. Titus shared: "I am a young family man, and they are really dependent on me. I am, therefore, looking forward to faster healing so that I can go back home to continue with my farming activities to be able to provide for my family. I would love to see my children's growth since I didn't have a chance to study past high school due to financial challenges."

$1,183raised
Fully funded

Naw Cho is a 34-year-old woman from Burma. She lives in Karen State, Burma. She stays with her three-year-old daughter while her husband works elsewhere and supports her and her daughter monthly. Naw Cho shares this income with her parents-in-law, who live in a separate house. This money is enough to cover their general household expenses and basic healthcare. In her free time, Naw Cho loves playing with her daughter. She hopes to open a small shop to earn money and send her daughter to school. In 2018, while eating breakfast, Naw Cho opened her mouth and suddenly heard a loud sound in her jaw. She was unable to speak, and her jaw swelled up. After three days, she went to a local clinic that gave her an injection, which helped reduce the swelling. Three years later, her gums began to swell once again, and she sought treatment again. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to receive treatment. Without the financial means to visit a private hospital, she relied on herbal medicine, which provided no relief. Uncertain of where else to seek help, she stopped pursuing medical treatment. Naw Cho's condition slowly worsened, causing much pain and discomfort. She has difficulty eating and speaking. Naw Cho sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on May 22nd. She is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Naw Cho said, “I feel happy now that I know there are people who can help me."

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Abby is a 10-year-old Grade 4 student from Kisumu County in Kenya. “I want to be a professional footballer like Messi,” says Abby with a big smile. He loves football so much that he plays every chance he gets, even though his foot hurts. His mother sometimes gets worried when she sees him running and playing, but Abby never gives up. Abby is the youngest in a family of four. His mother is a vegetable seller who works hard to care for her children. In 2018, Abby fell and injured his right knee. He was taken to hospital, where doctors found he had an infection called septic arthritis. He underwent an arthrotomy washout procedure to treat it. After the surgery, his foot became weak and later developed a deformity. Now, Abby walks on his toes. He feels pain when walking and is unable to do so for long distances. One day, Abby and his mother met a kind stranger who noticed his limp and told them about our medical partner care center, AIC Cure Hospital, where children with foot and bone problems are treated. Abby’s mother decided to take him there. At the hospital, Abby was reviewed and was diagnosed with acquired clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, making it hard to even wear shoes and causing walking difficulties. Abby will need corrective surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Abby receive treatment. On April 23rd, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery to relieve his pain, improve his leg's function and help him work towards his dream of becoming a great footballer—just like Messi. Now, Abby's family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure. "I can’t wait for my foot to be corrected so I can walk normally and play football without pain," Abby shared with a smile.

$1,286raised
Fully funded

Doricas is a 29-year-old single mother of four young children in Kenya. Coming from a family that struggles to make ends meet through casual domestic jobs, Doricas was on her way to a new job in Nairobi when her life changed drastically. She was involved in a severe car accident that left her with injuries on her forehead and a fractured leg. She underwent emergency surgery where an external fixator was placed to stabilize her leg. She now needs a fracture repair surgery, and is in significant pain, unable to raise the necessary funds for the procedure. Presently, she is in the hospital, while her children, aged between 2 and 8, are under the care of her mother. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, they haven't been able to attend school or receive the support they desperately need. Doricas is worried about their well-being and future. Despite the help of friends and relatives, the mounting hospital bills and the costs of her essential surgeries, including the upcoming procedure for her leg, are more than they can cover. Doricas is in significant pain and needs your help to get back on her feet—not just for herself but for her children who depend on her. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 22nd, Doricas will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Now, Doricas needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Doricas says, “My leg aches, especially at night when it’s cold, and it’s so painful I cannot sleep.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded