United States   •   July 2nd
Byron's Story

Byron joined Watsi on September 2nd, 2015. Eleven years ago, Byron joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Byron's most recent donation traveled 8,800 miles to support Nalin, a retired tailor from Cambodia, to fund eye surgery.

Team

Watsi

21 members

Impact

Byron has funded healthcare for 148 patients in 16 countries.

Patients funded by Byron

Michael is a 45-year old DJ from the Philippines. He lives with his mother and his daughter, and though he has siblings, they have their own families. His siblings provide them with some assistance, particularly in contributing to shared household expenses such as electricity and water bills. Michael earns money through working as a DJ from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM. His job has become his family's main source of daily living expenses. The nature of his work and financial obligations have prevented him from taking a leave of absence, which would be required for treatment and post-operative recovery. One year ago, Michael began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe back pain, which he describes as intense and unbearable. When the pain became severe, he was rushed to a nearby emergency facility. Despite medical advice, Michael was unable to undergo the recommended surgery at the time of diagnosis. He expressed concern about the financial implications, considering that he’s the family’s breadwinner. Michael has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Michael receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on August 15th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Michael's surgery and care. Michael says: "I am in deep gratitude for any help that may be extended to me. I hope that, with the operation, I can regain my health and continue working without enduring constant pain."

$1,031raised
Fully funded

18-year-old Say has been living with his grandparents, aunt, and five cousins in a refugee camp in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. Originally from Tanintharyi Division, Burma, Say’s parents sent him to the refugee camp to continue his studies in May 2024, because of frequent armed conflict near their village. Since he regularly missed school due to poor health, Say could not pass his exams last year, and did not return to school in May 2025. Instead, he has joined a vocational training course, covering basic computer skills, in the camp. The family receives cash support and basic health care from international aid agencies. In June 2024, Say developed a fever and started to experience nosebleeds, palpitations, fatigue, and chest pain. He was admitted for a week to the camp hospital, where the doctor diagnosed him with dengue fever and provided oral medication. He was referred to another hospital for additional treatment. During his hospital stay, Say underwent an echocardiogram (ECHO) that showed he has a ventricular septal defect, with pulmonary hypertension. Doctors explained that Say has a hole in his heart and needs surgery. However, he and his family are unable to afford the cost of this procedure. Fortunately, Say was referred to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. On July 1st, Say will undergo heart surgery to correct his ventricular septal defect. Say needs your help to raise $1,500 to cover the cost of Say's treatment and care. Say said, “I had to skip school frequently due to my health issues, which led me to drop out of school. I was very sad that my surgery would not happen due to financial problems. However, I am glad since I learned that BCMF can find donors to support my surgery. I will continue my education after the surgery.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded