M
Melissa GrossmanUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Melissa's Story

Melissa joined Watsi on May 11th, 2018. Six years ago, Melissa joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Melissa's most recent donation supported Anamiel, a 14-month-old boy from Ethiopia, to fund corrective surgery for a birth condition.

Impact

Melissa has funded healthcare for 75 patients in 12 countries.

Patients funded by Melissa

Jeronimo is a little boy from Colombia. He lives in Támesis, Antioquia, with his parents. He is curious and intelligent, full of dreams and eager to get ahead. Jeronimo was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Jeronimo has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Knowing of these future complications has been difficult for Jeronimo's family, especially given their financial circumstances. The opportunity to receive care would represent an immense blessing for their family and new hope for Jeronimo's future. Fortunately, Jeronimo will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 24th. Clinica Noel is requesting $1,167 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. His parents shared that they hope treatment will significantly transform Jeronimo's quality of life. Jeronimo's mother expresses her gratitude for the support, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every person who has supported my son. Your generous gesture goes far beyond material help; it is a sign of selfless love, faith in dreams, and light at a time when we urgently needed it. I cannot thank you enough. This surgery, which we have waited so long for, represents a great blessing and new hope for Jeronimo's health. After receiving this treatment, what we most desire is his speedy recovery, well-being, and a full life. We trust that God will bless you abundantly for this beautiful work and for the positive impact you have had on our lives."

$1,167raised
Fully funded

Mdoe is a 14-year-old boy from Kenya. Shortly after his birth, Mdoe showed signs that his intestines were not working properly. He was brought to several hospitals, but was not given a clear diagnosis. Mdoe's condition worsened. He was visibly in pain, restless, and crying constantly. Mdoe's mother was determined to find help. She took him to a larger facility, where doctors explained that his intestines were intertwined and that he would need surgery. He would require a colostomy bag to help him pass stool. After a few days of monitoring, they were discharged. But only days later, complications arose, and Kinago underwent surgery at the same hospital. Life after surgery was far from easy. His mother took him for clinic checkups several times, striving to remain consistent with his care. But back at home, reality pressed in. Both parents engage in small-scale farming, stretching each harvest to provide for their eight children. Eventually, the cost of continued clinic visits became impossible to sustain. Now fourteen, Mdoe has never been able to attend school. It breaks his heart to watch children his age walk to class while he remains at home. His condition requires him to change his colostomy bag regularly, yet he has been using the same one since early childhood. Some schools refused to admit him. Over time, discouraged and burdened by school fees, his mother stopped trying. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On February 12th, Mdoe will undergo abdominal surgery that will improve Mdoe's quality of life. His family needs help raising $1,081 to fund his procedure and care. Mdoe's mother shared, “It is painful when your child asks you why he cannot go to school like other children. I see the longing in his eyes, and I wish I could take this condition away from him. I may not have wealth, but I have never stopped fighting for him, even when the journey felt too heavy for my shoulders.”

$1,081raised
Fully funded

Eh Mu is a 26-year-old woman from Burma who lives with her husband, her parents, older sister, older brother, younger sister, younger brother, her son and her nephew in a refugee camp in Thailand. Eh Mu and her family fled to the refugee camp in 2022 due to an airstrike and fighting in her village. Her parents are retired while her older brother and husband sometimes went to work outside of the camp as day laborers, while her older sister looks after a dormitory in the camp. Her son is a nursery school student. Eh Mu is a homemaker and makes custom dresses on order. During her free time, Eh Mu loves to play with her three-year-old son, spend time with her family, and listen to music on her phone. Eh Mu is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Eh Mu undergo a C-Section on December 22nd at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Eh Mu needs your support. Eh Mu said, “When I noticed my pregnancy, I started feel stress instead of happy. I worry that if I need to deliver my baby through surgery, then I cannot afford to pay for the surgery. When I gave birth through c-section in Burma for my first baby, at that time the treatment cost is less but here in Thailand is very expensive for what I heard from my friend. At first, I was thinking of returning to Burma to give birth, but fighting continues in my village and it is not safe to return so I have no other option. After I learned from the doctor that there will be an organization who will support my surgery cost, I feel like all my stress and worries are gone. I am happy and thankful to BCMF and all their donors who are available for me during this difficult time”.

$1,500raised
Fully funded