Andrew SchwartzUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER
Andrew's Story

Andrew joined Watsi on November 5th, 2015. Eight years ago, Andrew joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Andrew's most recent donation supported Rebecca, a two-year-old girl from Haiti, to fund hydrocephalus surgery.

Impact

Andrew has funded healthcare for 100 patients in 12 countries.

Patients funded by Andrew

Vanila is a 17-year-old girl. She comes from a sizable family that includes five siblings, with her being the second-to-last born. She is a student and recently completed her secondary education with the hope of going further in her education. Her parents work as farmers, relying on their harvest for sustenance. Additionally, her father engages in casual day-to-day jobs to supplement their income. Three of Vanila’s siblings are independent and working, and they occasionally assist their parents in covering household expenses. Vanila’s journey began when, as a baby, her parents noticed both of her legs twisting inward and downward. Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented them from addressing her medical needs. In September 2023, Vanilla’s family learned about Kafika house, and the services offered. They visited, and she was diagnosed with bilateral clubfoot, a condition that significantly limited her mobility. With both legs affected, she commenced treatment for her left foot first, starting with manipulation and casting. In October 2023, she underwent surgery, and her treatment progressed well, showing positive results. Currently, Vanila is on the verge of beginning treatment for her right foot. She will undergo a similar process to correct the defect in her right foot. The team will begin clubfoot treatment for Vanila on December 29th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Vanila's clubfoot repair. After treatment, her mobility will significantly improve. Vanilla says: “I’m looking forward to the day that I will be walking comfortably.”

$935raised
Fully funded

Renatus is a seven-year-old boy in grade 1 from Tanzania. He is smart, charming, and enjoys playing with everyone he interacts with. Whenever engaged in conversation, he exudes confidence. Renatus is the younger child in a family of two siblings. His parents are farmers and livestock keepers, making every effort to provide for their family. However, inflation makes it challenging for them to meet all their needs. During his early growth stages, Renatus effortlessly went through crawling, standing, and beginning to walk. However, as time passed and he started walking more, his legs began to show signs of bowing. This concerned his mother, leading her to take him to the hospital for evaluation. The doctor advised starting him on calcium therapy, but unfortunately, the treatment proved ineffective. Consequently, the mother sought another medical opinion from various medical centers, but the condition continued to worsen as Renatus grew older, making it increasingly difficult and painful for him to walk. Renatus and parents traveled 6 hours to seek treatment. He was diagnosed with a wind-swept deformity, which affects both of his legs, leading to reduced stability while walking. He was also diagnosed with clubfoot of both feet, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. These conditions cause difficulty in walking and wearing shoes. He has become less confident during playtime, as he frequently trips and falls. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) determined that the best course of action is corrective surgery to improve Renatus’s quality of life. Surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on August 2nd. AMH is requesting $935 to fund Renatus's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk and play easily. Renatus’s mother said, "I wish my son to have a good life ahead free from any defect. I hope this treatment will make it possible for him to have a good future.”

$935raised
Fully funded