Michael's Story

Michael joined Watsi on April 8th, 2022. Four years ago, Michael joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Michael's most recent donation supported Lina, a 49-year-old mother from the Philippines, to fund gallbladder removal surgery.

Impact

Michael has funded healthcare for 26 patients in 10 countries.

Patients funded by Michael

Lina is a stay-at-home mother from the Philippines. She lives with her husband who works as a security guard, her only child who is in college, and her brother who works at a nearby salon. Her husband earns minimum wage which is barely enough for the their bills and expenses especially since their son is in college. Most of their monthly budget goes to basic needs and their son's school expenses. Four years ago, Lina began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain which affected her back. Due to the pandemic four years ago, she could only visit a private clinic to consult. She was diagnosed with gallstones and was given painkillers to manage the pain. Four years later, she is still suffering from pain attacks. Lina has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Lina is scheduled to undergo surgery on July 13th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Lina's surgery and care. Lina said, "Thank you to everyone who will help me for my treatment and operation. For the past years, I wanted to work and help my husband financially but cannot do so because of my condition. This surgery will allow me to be economically productive so your help will go a long way not just for my but also for my family. Thank you very much."

$1,128raised
Fully funded

Damaris is a tea picker from Kenya. She is 32 years old, the mother of four children, and separated from her husband. Damaris never went to school due to financial constraints of her family. Now, two of her children are in secondary school and two are in primary school. The money she earns is used to pay for her children's school fees and to buy food for her children. Damaris inherited a small piece of land from her parents where she grows maize, sukuma wiki (similar to kale or collard greens), and beans for home consumption. A lump began growing on Damaris's neck in 2004. She has never received any medical treatment due to a lack of money. The mass has grown larger, and now impinges on her nerve, causing occasional numbness in her right arm and hand. While in church recently, Damaris learned that a visiting physician/general surgeon was offering free consultation. Damaris sought an examination. An ultrasound was done, and it was determined that Damaris had a large cystic mass which the doctor recommended should be removed. Surgeons through our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can provide the services Damaris needs. She traveled to AMH's care center Maua Hospital and on February 13th, surgeons will remove the mass. Following the surgery, there should be a release of pressure and the numbness and pain caused by the mass should be relieved. Damaris is not able to pay the hospital bill and appeals for support. She is seeking help to raise $529 to fund this surgery. Damaris says, "I kindly request for your support."

$529raised
Fully funded