Lourdes Best
Lourdes' Story

Lourdes joined Watsi on May 5th, 2014. 18 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Lourdes' most recent donation supported Srey Pov, an 18-year-old student from Cambodia, to fund ear surgery.

Impact

Lourdes has funded healthcare for 16 patients in 5 countries.

Patients funded by Lourdes

Florian is a 20-year-old farmer from Tanzania. He is sixth born in a family of nine children. He is a very hard working young man and helps his mother working in the family farms. He also helps his mother to look after his young brothers and sisters and assist with putting them through school. Florian was not fortunate to proceed with the school after graduating from his primary school education since his father passed away shortly after and he was forced to join his two brothers in helping their mother. Florian’s father passed away five years ago and his mother is a subsistence farmer. Florian has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Florian has been experiencing severe headaches and dizziness. Without treatment, Florian will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,300 to cover the cost of surgery for Florian that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 9th and will drain the excess fluid from Florian's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Florian will hopefully continue to develop into a strong, healthy young man. Florian says, “Please help me get this treatment, my family is not able to pay for my needed surgery. Please help me so that I may get well.”

$1,300raised
Fully funded

Two years ago, 15-year-old Elmer started to have convulsions when he was in school. The first time he had a seizure he was unconscious for five seconds, but now he is unconscious for much longer, and he often loses his memory. He gets seizures two to three times per month. His family is sad because Elmer has only studied through elementary school. He had to leave school two years ago because of his condition--the school refused to have him attend the school for fear that he could get worse at any time and they would not know what to do. Elmer loves to eat fried chicken and on weekends go out and play soccer with his three brothers. Elmer works alongside his dad in the fields, cultivating and harvesting beans, squash, and potato to sell. His mother weaves traditional Maya textiles which she sells in the market. His family has a hard time because someone always has to be with Elmer to make sure he is not alone if he has a seizure. Although he and his parents work hard, they do not have the resources to give Elmer the expensive labs and imaging he needs for his diagnosis and buy the medicines he needs to control his seizures. This treatment, which will cost $967, will give Elmer the chance to finally understand what is causing his seizures, following a comprehensive diagnostic workup. This will allow our medical team to prescribe him the medications he needs to control his seizures. This will allow him to return to school, be more independent, and help his parents and brothers not to feel so stressed.

$967raised
Fully funded

At three years of age, Brian's parents realized that something was not okay; he cried when passing urine. When swelling appeared on his groin, he was rushed to the nearest hospital and treated for an inguinal hernia. The swelling did not disappear, but the pain was gone. Brian is now 11 years old and lives with his family in Kenya. He still has the inguinal hernia, which is again causing pain and discomfort, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting anything. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), "if Brian is not treated, it can result in painful restriction of blood supply to his intestinal tissues that could be life-threatening." Weeks ago, Brian felt a sharp pain and his doctors determined that the hernia had re-occurred. Brian’s parents were distraught as they pondered where to get the funds they would need for his surgery - they work as casual laborers and cannot afford his care. They tell AMHF, "we will do anything to see to it that our son gets treated and fulfills his future dreams of becoming a pilot." For $430, Brian can have surgery to correct his hernia. This operation will prevent the hernia from growing and obstructing Brian's blood supply, interfering with his intestinal tract, and causing pain. Brian's mother says, "I am in need of your help because raising such an amount is completely out of reach for us. We want our son to grow normally and have a bright future.” Let's support Brian and his family achieve the future they desire.

$430raised
Fully funded

“Laxman studies in the second grade and is a bright student,” says our Nepalese medical partner, Possible. “He enjoys reading Nepali stories and playing volleyball.” Several months ago, the nine-year-old boy from Nepal developed an inguinal hernia, a condition where part of the lower intestine protrudes through a weakened section of the abdominal cavity, causing a painful bulge. “Although initially it did not make much of a difference, it has been painful for a while now," Possible shares. "It also hurts when clothes rub against it or it is touched accidentally.” Laxman's father adds, “He cannot run or walk long distance.” Without intervention, Laxman’s condition could worsen and put him at risk of hernia strangulation, which cuts off blood flow from parts of his body. To support the family, Laxman’s parents tend to their farm. However, their modest income prevents them from being able to support the cost of Laxman’s operation. For $491, Laxman will undergo a hernia repair surgery. During this procedure, surgeons will insert the displaced section of the intestine back into its normal position. Following surgery, Laxman will remain under close medical supervision. This operation offers Laxman both short-term and long-term benefits. Possible states, “Having the surgery will not only prevent Laxman's hernia strangulation but it will also relieve his discomfort.” "I hope Laxman's condition will not cause any complications in future," Laxman's father shares. "I wish for his treatment to be successful."

$491raised
Fully funded