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Sarah PattersonUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Sarah's Story

Sarah joined Watsi on January 9th, 2021. Six years ago, Sarah joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Sarah's most recent donation supported Neisha, a preschooler from Haiti, to fund treatment leading up to, and following heart surgery.

Impact

Sarah has funded healthcare for 70 patients in 11 countries.

Patients funded by Sarah

Neisha is a three-year-old preschooler from Haiti. She is the first born child in her family, and lives with her parents in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She likes coloring with crayons and going to church with her mother. Neisha has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Neisha needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 15th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood no longer leaks through it. Another organization is contributing money to pay for surgery. Neisha's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Neisha's family overseas. Neisha's mother says, "I have been so worried and scared about my daughter's health, and am so happy that her heart can finally be fixed!"

$979raised
$521to go

Surafel is a 14-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and dreams of becoming a professional football player. He also enjoys learning mathematics and spending time with his younger brother. His mother earns a living by selling vegetables on the street, while his father works as a daily laborer. Surafel was born with hypospadias, a condition in which the opening of the urethra is positioned differently. His mother noticed the condition soon after his birth and sought medical advice. She was told that it could be corrected when he was older. As Surafel grew, however, his mother became increasingly concerned. She visited several hospitals and was advised that he needed surgery, but they could not afford it. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Surafel's mother learned about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Surafel’s mother said, “Thank you so much for the support you have given us and for your kindness. After many years of worry and uncertainty, I am grateful that my child has this opportunity. I sincerely hope and pray that his surgery will be successful and that he will have a better future.”

$825raised
$467to go

Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

$609raised
$406to go

Ester is a 13-year-old student from Burma. She lives with her parents, her younger brother, and two younger sisters in a village in Karen State, Burma. Ester and her three younger siblings go to school while their parents are small-scale farmers. They also raise chickens and pigs, and they forage for vegetables in the forest for their own consumption. They also have a small garden where they grow betel nut trees, and they sell some of the betel nuts to earn a small income. Sometimes, Ester’s father also finds work as an agricultural day laborer. In her free time, Ester loves to help her mother with household chores and also play with her friends at school. She wants to become a teacher when she grows up. Ester was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Ester is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on July 7th to correct her condition and improve her quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to help cover the cost of Ester's procedure and care. Ester's mother shared, "I would like to thank BCMF and your donors for your kindness and willingness to support my daughter. Without you, my daughter would not receive treatment as the cost is too high for us, and we cannot borrow such a large amount of money from our neighbours. On behalf of our family and our daughter, thank you to your donors and everyone willing to help my daughter.”

$972raised
$528to go

Filisitiya is 47 years old and a mother of five from Malawi. Her husband takes on casual jobs as a builder, while she molds clay pots for a living. Seven months ago, Filisitiya started to experience pain and abnormal bleeding. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Her symptoms affect her ability to perform her daily tasks and her work. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Filisitiya's surgery. On June 8th, she will undergo gynaecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Filisitiya will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Filisitiya shared, "Concentration on my business is now poor, hence, reduced my monthly income; Your support will help me get better and care for my children better."

$857raised
$506to go

Ana is a one-year-old girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who sells vegetables, her dad, who is a locksmith, and her twin sister. When Ana was born, her mom noticed that she couldn't gain weight, and she was always tired. Doctors soon discovered her heart condition and informed her mother that she needed surgery. Ana has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving her weak and short of breath. Ana was also born with a cleft lip and palate. After heart surgery, doctors can then proceed to repair her cleft. On May 6th, Ana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Ana's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Ana's mother shared, "I pray this surgery goes well so my little daughter can feel better and have a happy life."

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Shivani is a five-year-old girl from India. In a family of seven, her mother and father care for her and her siblings on the sole income earned by her father. Recently, Shivani's mother tried to enroll her in school, but with limited mobility in her hand, she was unable to join the class in lessons. Shivani was tragically burned by a vessel of boiling tea when she was just 18 months old. She was treated locally at the time, but no further treatment has been done since. Because of the skin contractions caused by the burn on her left hand, she is now facing setbacks in her education. With treatment, her family hopes to enroll Shivani in school so that she can begin her education and ensure a better future. Our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, has scheduled Shivani's surgery for April 8th and is requesting $1,442 to fund her treatment. "We hope that the surgery will help her regain function and allow us to enroll her in school so that she can get the education she deserves," says Shivani's mother.

$1,442raised
Fully funded

Modester is a small-scale farmer from Malawi. She is married with five children and comes from rural Dedza, about 86.9 km from Lilongwe. She never attended school. Since 2025, Modester has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. Hospital assessments confirmed uterine fibroids. Despite various medications and a tubal ligation in 2015, her symptoms persisted. She managed for some years, but in September 2025, the symptoms returned, this time with severe lower abdominal pain, backache, and extreme weakness. Her condition has greatly affected her ability to work, reducing the income she relies on for her family. She was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), for possible surgical support. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Modester's surgery. On March 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery, and once recovered, Modester will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. "This condition has threatened my life. The good news is that PIH can help me, and I am here today seeking support. Kindly help me," Modester pleaded during the assessment.

$1,363raised
Fully funded

Srey Neang is 18 years old and a twelfth-grade student from a small village in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. She lives with her parents, who are rice farmers. She is the second of four siblings; her older brother works in a garment factory, while her two younger siblings are in school. She enjoys studying literature, which is her favorite subject at school, and she hopes to become a teacher in the future. In her free time, she likes listening to music and helping with housework. Her favorite food is spicy stir-fried chicken. Srey Neang has had scoliosis since she was 13 years old, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, often forming a “C” or “S” shape. As she has grown, the curve in her spine has progressively worsened and now bends toward the right side. This condition causes frequent pain and makes it difficult for her to sit for extended periods. Because of this, she struggles to concentrate in class and feels worried about being bullied by her classmates due to her appearance. She also experiences difficulty walking, which further affects her daily life. In the past, Srey Neang had not sought hospital treatment because her family could not afford the cost. Recently, a relative informed her family about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). On February 6th, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal “growing rod” into her spine to help correct the curve and allow for continued spinal growth. Her family can only afford to contribute $75 and needs help with the remaining $1,425. This will cover the costs of surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. Srey Neang's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that Srey Neang will no longer have any pain so that she can do a good job at school and focus on her studies.”

$1,425raised
Fully funded

Mu Tha is a 42-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, her son, and her daughter in a refugee camp in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, Thailand. Mu Tha and her family have been living in the camp since 2006. Both of her children go to school in the camp. Mu Tha works as a health worker in the camp's clinic. Her husband occasionally works as a motorbike taxi driver in the camp. In late 2024, Mu Tha has been experiencing sharp pain in her right lower abdomen and back pain. She has been diagnosed with a myoma with a right ovarian cyst. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Mu Tha's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Mu Tha is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on January 8th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, this procedure will help Mu Tha be free of pain and able to resume her work. Due to her condition, Mu Tha has had to take time off from work while going for her treatment. She said, “I want to get surgery soon so that I can work happily and free from stress and worry. I would also like to say thank you very much to your organization and all your donors for your generous support."

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Seth is a three-year-old boy from Kenya who expects to start school next year. However, he is presently in hospital under the care of his aunt who stays by his side, comforting him as he endures pain and repeatedly asks for his mother. Seth’s family was on their way to join their relatives for the holidays when tragedy struck, abruptly cutting their journey short. Their vehicle was involved in a devastating accident that claimed eight lives, including Seth’s mother and sister. Although Seth and his father survived, they sustained significant physical and emotional injuries. They were brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, stabilized, but both still require further surgical care. Seth suffered a deep head injury near his eye that required stitching, and he also sustained a fracture in his left leg. His father’s identification documents were lost in the accident, leaving them unable to access support through the national health insurance. The extended family is in shock, mourning the loss of two loved ones while also struggling financially as they work to organize the burials. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 4th, Seth will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Seth’s aunt is now reaching out for support so he can undergo the surgery he needs, find relief from his suffering, and begin the long journey of healing, not only from his injuries but also from the heartbreaking loss of his mother and sister. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Seth’s aunt said, “Seth is in so much pain. He cries through the night, calling for his mother. I just hope the surgery will ease his suffering.”

$1,115raised
Fully funded

Dita is an 11-year-old bright boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys studying and spending time with his family. He also loves playing football with his siblings and friends. His father is a farmer who occasionally works as a day laborer, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker. Dita was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Dita is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 3rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Dita's father expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for the services you provide us. May God bless you. I hope my child will become as healthy as my other children."

$1,293raised
Fully funded