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Atsushi YamamotoUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Atsushi's Story

Atsushi joined Watsi on January 1st, 2021. Six years ago, Atsushi joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Atsushi's most recent donation supported Dorica, a small-scale farmer from Malawi, to fund a hysterectomy.

Impact

Atsushi has funded healthcare for 72 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Atsushi

Dorica is a 47-year-old woman from Malawi. She is married and has four children. She and her husband depend on small-scale farming as their primary source of livelihood. For three years, Dorica has been experiencing uncomfortable gynaecological symptoms that have affected her health, leading to severe anaemia requiring a blood transfusion. Due to her condition, she is currently unable to carry out her usual household responsibilities or participate in farming activities. Her husband has become her primary caregiver and has remained by her side throughout her illness. Dorica was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Dorica's surgery. On October 30th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. This treatment will address her symptoms and prevent other complications. Dorica shared, "My energy is completely drained due to my overwhelming symptoms that have brought more stress to my life; your support will bring comfort and revamp my life."

$470raised
$893to go

Surafel is a 14-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and dreams of becoming a professional football player. He also enjoys learning mathematics and spending time with his younger brother. His mother earns a living by selling vegetables on the street, while his father works as a daily laborer. Surafel was born with hypospadias, a condition in which the opening of the urethra is positioned differently. His mother noticed the condition soon after his birth and sought medical advice. She was told that it could be corrected when he was older. As Surafel grew, however, his mother became increasingly concerned. She visited several hospitals and was advised that he needed surgery, but they could not afford it. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Surafel's mother learned about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Surafel’s mother said, “Thank you so much for the support you have given us and for your kindness. After many years of worry and uncertainty, I am grateful that my child has this opportunity. I sincerely hope and pray that his surgery will be successful and that he will have a better future.”

$825raised
$467to go

Rabecca is 26 years old and a mother of one from Malawi. Her husband is a cook, while she runs a small business. A year ago, Rabecca began to experience troubling symptoms, including a hoarse voice, frequent coughs, and painful swallowing. Her symptoms have gotten worse, affecting her ability to do daily tasks. She went to a hospital and was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rabecca receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on August 19th at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Rabecca shared, "I wish I could get better to enable me to continue doing my business in good health and concentrating on family support rather than spending on hospital visits."

$490raised
$525to go

Valery is a 37-year-old father from Haiti. He lives with his partner and their three-year-old daughter in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Valery works as a documentation officer at the international airport. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his friends. Valery has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly due to an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Valery needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 5th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which doctors will remove Valery's damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing $12,000 to pay for surgery. Valery's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medications, and check-up and follow-up appointments. This cost also covers securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner who will accompany Valery's family overseas. Valery said, "I am so grateful to receive this surgery so that I can focus on my future with my family."

$1,002raised
$498to go

Akshay is 18 years old and lives in Palamu, Jharkhand, India. He lives with his parents and elder sister. His father is a farmer. He studied until the 8th grade. When Akshay was six months old, he fell into a traditional cooking stove and burned his right hand. The burn caused a contracture, where the skin healed tightly, and over time, his hand became restricted in movement. He has lived with this since he was a baby. The contracture on his right hand makes daily tasks difficult. At 18, with a father who farms and a family that depends on physical work, this has been a real limitation in his day-to-day life. When Akshay learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, he and his mother traveled 6.5 hours to receive treatment to release the post-burn contracture of his right hand. On July 1st, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery so he can regain function and mobility in his hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Akshay shared, "I want my hand to work properly so that I can help my family."

$981raised
$461to go

Pov is a determined 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his parents and is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom are married. His father sells drinking water, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is currently studying in Grade 11 and enjoys physics. He dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. His favorite meals are soups, especially those with lots of vegetables, and he enjoys playing football with his friends in his free time. Eleven months ago, Pov sustained electrical burns to both hands in an accident. As the wounds healed, severe scar contractures developed, affecting the right first finger webspace and the left fifth finger. The scar contractures have tightened the skin and limited movement in both hands. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects, hold items properly, and write his school lessons. He also feels self-conscious about the appearance of his scars and often hides them by wearing long sleeves. Pov sought treatment with our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On May 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve hand movement and restore better function. This treatment will help him write more easily, hold objects comfortably, and regain confidence in using his hands for daily activities and school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $627 more to fund his procedure and care. Pov said, “I hope this surgery will help my hands move normally again so I can write my lessons easily, hold things without difficulty, and feel confident without needing to hide my scars anymore.”

$125raised
$502to go

Matheo is a three-year-old preschooler from Haiti. He lives with his parents in a suburb of Port-au-Prince; his father is a police officer and his mother runs a small shop. In his free time Matheo enjoys singing. Matheo has a cardiac condition called pulmonic stenosis - one of the four valves of his heart is too narrow, and as a result blood cannot flow normally through his heart and body. If left untreated, this could lead to heart failure. Matheo will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 6th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will use a balloon on the end of a catheter to stretch the valve open to a more normal size. Another organization is contributing to pay for surgery. Matheo's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. 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 Matheo's family overseas. Matheo's mother said, "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is making it possible for Matheo to be healthy!"

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Jana is a four-year-old young girl from El Bagre, Colombia. She is an active, cheerful preschooler who loves spending time with her family and enjoys music and dancing. Even at a young age, Jana shows a caring heart and dreams of becoming a doctor one day so she can help people, or animals, in need. Unfortunately, Jana has developed severe dental caries and infections. Because of her young age, she requires extensive dental treatment under general anesthesia to safely address the problem. At times, Jana feels sad because other children tease her about her teeth, and she hopes her teeth can be fixed. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $868 to fund treatment for her infection and severe tooth decay under general anesthesia on March 20th. Doctors hope this care will allow Jana to grow up healthy, free from pain, and able to smile with confidence. Jana's mother shares, "To anyone who wants to do their bit to help my daughter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are a low-income family; I am a single mother, I do odd jobs, and unfortunately, I do not have the financial means to cover the treatment she needs, as it is very expensive. God bless every person who can help make this surgery possible. My daughter dreams of the day when she can smile without fear or pain. She always tells me, 'Mom, when I have my pretty teeth, I'm going to laugh all the time, and they won't hurt anymore.' That is her greatest wish, and hopefully we will see it come true very soon. May God reward you for your support, solidarity, and prayers."

$868raised
Fully funded

Clinton is a 12-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the second-born in a family of five children and currently studies in Class Two. Clinton is a gentle child who speaks softly, especially around new people, but he is attentive and eager to learn. Clinton was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. He was brought to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, by his father with concerns about the inward bending of both legs, a condition that began when Clinton first started walking. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. His parents had never sought treatment before due to limited resources and lack of access to specialized care. The family survives through animal keeping and farming, doing their best to meet their children’s needs. Clinton has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus and is planned for bilateral DFO surgery. This treatment will help straighten his legs, improve his mobility, and allow him to walk and attend school without pain or limitation. His parents hope this intervention will give Clinton the opportunity to grow, learn, and play like other children his age. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Clinton. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 12th and will hopefully restore Clinton's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Clinton says, "The pain I feel while walking to school makes it hard to enjoy my classes, and I would love for the pain to stop."

$777raised
Fully funded

Sapphire is five years old and a kindergarten student from the Philippines. Her father is a construction worker. Sapphire is very playful, especially now that she has started school and made new friends. About a year ago, her parents noticed a small bump on the sole of her left foot. At first, they thought it would go away after a few days. However, as months passed, the bump slowly grew bigger. Sapphire’s mother shared that she and her husband became more worried as they saw the lump increase in size. In January of this year, their fear grew when they saw discharge coming from Sapphire’s foot. They immediately brought her to a doctor, who advised that the mass be removed as soon as possible. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, Sapphire will undergo surgery to remove the mass. This procedure should address her symptoms and allow her to live more comfortably. She needs help to raise $1,063 to fund her treatment. Sapphire's mother shared, "My husband and I will feel happy and relieved once Sapphire can get treated and walk normally. We no longer have to think about how we can afford to get her the help that she needs."

$1,063raised
Fully funded

Noel is a 55-year-old man from the Philippines who lives with his wife and children. His wife, Annabelle, works for the government, but most of her income contributes to supporting their relatives. They have three children: the oldest is already working and helps a little with household expenses, while the two younger children are still studying. After Noel's family learned that surgery would be the best option to treat his condition, they wanted it to be done as soon as possible, knowing that his health could affect how he cared for his family. Eleven months ago, Noel began to experience troubling symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, pressure in his neck, and shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter. He needs thyroid removal surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Noel receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on December 29th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland to reduce his pain and allow him to return to caring for his family. Some of the costs will be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. However, Noel still needs help with the remaining $935 to cover the rest of his care. Noel says, "Knowing the cost of my surgery would be covered gave me comfort and motivated me to move forward with the operation. Now, I can concentrate on my recovery. Thank you to everyone who is making this happen."

$935raised
Fully funded

Mary is 47 years old and a farmer from Malawi. She is married and has five children. Together with her husband, she depends on farming for their livelihood. Her two eldest children are married with families of their own, while she lives with her three younger children, who are still in Primary Seven and Primary Five. Since 2017, Mary has been experiencing abdominal pains associated with severe bleeding. Initially, she assumed it was normal, but the condition worsened in November 2024, prompting her to visit the hospital. The condition has greatly affected her health and left her too weak to concentrate on farming, the family’s only source of income. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Mary's surgery. On November 8th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Mary shared, "The discomfort from abdominal fullness is too much. l wish I could be well again, and regain my strength."

$1,363raised
Fully funded