Joseph Timmins
Joseph's Story

Joseph joined Watsi on August 28th, 2015. 14 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Joseph's most recent donation supported Justine, an aspiring teacher from Tanzania, so he can walk without pain.

Impact

Joseph has funded healthcare for 6 patients in 4 countries.

Patients funded by Joseph

Meet Justine, a 15-year-old boy who lives in Tanzania with his mother, father, and five siblings. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Justine started feeling mild pain in his left knee when he was seven years old.” Justine has knocked knees, a condition in which his knees are angled towards each other. This condition is especially common in regions of northern Tanzania where an excess of naturally-occurring fluoride in the water causes curvature in the bones. By fifth grade, Justine was no longer able to walk the long distance to his school, and he had to drop out. AMHF explains, “While he was in school, Justine enjoyed science and history classes. He also liked to play soccer.” However, because of his difficulty walking, Justine can now only interact with his peers through cards and board games. With the school fees for their other five children, Justine’s parents--both small-scale farmers--are unable to pay the costs of the surgical repair Justine needs. They have taken Justine to various hospitals, but he has only ever received multivitamins and pain medication. For $940, Justine will receive surgery to correct his knocked knees, as well as two weeks of physical therapy. The procedure will realign his bones and joints, improving his ability to walk. Justine will be able to travel long distances like the one to school. Justine shares with us, “I have always admired my science teacher. When I am able to go back to school, I’ll study hard so that in the future I can become a teacher.”

$940raised
Fully funded

Meet Quedma, a three-year-old girl from Haiti. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), tells us, “Quedma lives in Haiti with her mother, father, and two older brothers; she is very shy with people outside of her family, but very close to her family and likes spending time with them.” HCA also reports, “Quedma likes to help her mother with cooking, and to dress up for church.” Quedma was born with a cardiac condition called partial anomalous pulmonary vein return, in which “her pulmonary vein does not connect with her heart in the anatomically normal location,” HCA explains. “As a result, blood cannot flow through her heart and body normally, and she is constantly fatigued and sickly.” Quedma needs surgery to redirect her pulmonary vein. However, advanced pediatric cardiac care is difficult to access in Haiti. Quedma’s condition thus requires overseas transportation, which will cost $1,500. Health City Cayman Islands is subsidizing the treatment with a $7,500 donation to cover Quedma’s surgical care. $1,500 in Watsi funding will provide Quedma and a family member with passports, visas, airfare, food and health insurance to make her surgery possible. HCA predicts, “Following surgery, normal blood flow should be restored to Quedma’s heart and through her body, and she should be able to lead a healthy life.” Quedma’s mother says, "When we first learned about Quedma’s problem we felt hopeless because we didn’t think anyone would be able to help her, we are so glad that God answered our prayers!”

$1,500raised
Fully funded