Czech Republic   •   October 18th   •   T. G. Masaryk Czech School Chicago
Klara's Story

Klara joined Watsi on November 26th, 2016. Ten years ago, Klara joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Klara's most recent donation traveled 3,200 miles to support Baby Nardos, an eight-month-old boy from Ethiopia, to fund corrective surgery for a birth condition.

Impact

Klara has funded healthcare for 125 patients in 14 countries.

Patients funded by Klara

Baby Nardos is a cheerful and playful 8-month-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing with toys and spending time with other children. He lives with his parents and two older sisters. His father works as a carpenter, while his mother is a homemaker who dedicates her time to caring for the family. Baby Nardos was born with a condition called Hirschprung's disease. This is where a portion of the intestine does not have proper nerve function leaving a child with difficulty with bowel function. Doctors explained that he would need surgery but advised the family to wait until he was older and had grown enough to undergo the procedure. When Nardos was five months old, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids at Myungsung Christian Medical Center (BKMCM), for specialized treatment. Although the family initially felt anxious and uncertain, they were relieved to learn that Nardos could receive the care he needed. Surgeons will remove the part of the intestine that is not working properly and reconnect the healthy intestine to restore proper bowel function. Baby Nardos is scheduled to undergo this surgery on October 25th with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. The procedure and follow-up care will cost $1,500, and Baby Nardos needs your help. Baby Nardos’s father shares, “I am very happy that my son has this opportunity to receive the medical care he needs. Access to quality healthcare is very important, and I am grateful that my son has received this opportunity at BethanyKids. Thank you so much to BethanyKids and all the staff for welcoming us, supporting us, and giving our family hope. We sincerely appreciate the care and opportunity you have given our son. God bless you all.”

$1,025raised
$475to go

Sudeyes is a 20-month-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys spending time with other children, especially playing football. He lives with his mother in the same home as his grandparents, who provide him with additional love and support. As a single mother, Sudeyes’s mother works as a teacher and is committed to providing the best possible care for her son. With the support of her parents, she raises her son in a loving home. Immediately after Sudeyes' birth, healthcare providers informed his mother that he was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, experience uncomfortable symptoms and would be at risk of future complications. The news was overwhelming to his mother, and she feared what it would mean for her son’s future. Before leaving the hospital, she was referred to a specialized facility for further evaluation. When Sudeyes was just two weeks old, his mother took him to the referral hospital, where he was placed on the surgical waiting list. Nearly a year later, he underwent the first stage of his reconstructive surgery. The procedure was successful, but he required a second operation to complete his treatment, and he was placed on a lengthy waiting list. Since the waiting list was lengthy, Sudeyes's mother took him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). During their visit, the medical team warmly welcomed them, carefully explained his condition, reviewed his previous treatment, and outlined the remaining surgical plan. Their compassionate communication and professional care reassured her, and she felt confident that her son was in capable hands. Fortunately, Sudeyes is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on August 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Sudeyes' mother shared, "I also encourage continued collaboration with government hospitals, where many children and families are waiting and suffering because they cannot access timely surgical care. This partnership gives hope to families like ours and changes children's lives."

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Bopha is a nine-year-old girl from Cambodia. She is a third-grade student and lives in Kampong Thom Province with her parents, who are rice farmers, and her four siblings. She is the fourth child in the family. Her oldest brother serves in the army, her second brother is a car repairman, and her younger siblings are students. She enjoys playing hide-and-seek with her friends, her favorite subject is mathematics, and she dreams of becoming a police officer. Bopha was born with weakness in her right arm after a difficult delivery, which damaged the nerves controlling her arm. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She has difficulty lifting and moving her right arm, using her hand, holding and grasping objects, writing, dressing herself, and performing daily activities independently. Bopha traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On July 21st, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she will be able to use her arm more easily for school, play, and daily activities, helping her become more independent. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $737 to fund this procedure. Bopha's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter use her arm better so she can enjoy school, play with her friends, and grow up with confidence.”

$737raised
Fully funded

Samuel is a two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. His father is a manager at a security company, and his mother is a homemaker. Samuel has two older siblings, who are twins, and he is also a triplet with his brother and sister. He is an active, happy, and cheerful child, who loves playing football, solving puzzles, and playing with toys. Samuel enjoys spending time with his siblings and especially loves playing with his older brother and sister. Though his parents are overjoyed to have their children, experiencing two multiple pregnancies in a row has made their situation financially challenging. Even with these challenges, the family always cares for each other with love and support, and Samuel’s parents have strived to give their children the best health care possible. Shortly after birth, Samuel was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that can cause urinary dysfunction. Because Samuel and his siblings were born prematurely at seven months, his referral to a specialist was delayed until his condition stabilized. Once he had recovered, Samuel was evaluated by a doctor who confirmed that he needed surgery. Unfortunately, his brother required urgent treatment for epilepsy, which took priority. Samuel was subsequently placed on a waitlist for surgery. Though the family has received some financial support from their church and kind community members, it is not possible for them to afford even more medical treatment. Thankfully, after months of waiting, Samuel’s mother received a call informing her that he had been referred for free treatment through a partnership program. When the family arrived at our partner’s medical care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre, they were overwhelmed with happiness because they had never experienced such compassionate care before. Samuel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on May 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Samuel’s mother shares, “I am so happy. Thank you so much. God bless you all. I did not expect this kind of treatment. Thank you to all the staff for welcoming me so kindly.”

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Emily is five-year-old student who lives with her family in Medellin, Colombia. Her joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where she interacts with her classmates with enthusiasm and tenderness. Her energy is contagious, and her sweetness leaves a special impression on those around her. When she grows up, she dreams of becoming a firefighter or a veterinarian. Emily was born with an inguinal hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the groin. This condition causes discomfort and tenderness, especially when coughing or exercising. Because she has to be cautious with her movements, Emily has begun to feel insecure, particularly during physical education classes and when playing at the park. Without surgery, Emily will continue to experience symptoms, will have difficulty fully enjoying her childhood, and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, on April 27th, Emily will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Emily's mother shared, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people that will support her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally. This gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God bless you abundantly, may He multiply your generosity with blessings in your life, and may He continue to guide every endeavor you undertake. Your support not only covers a medical need but also fills our hearts with hope and peace. Thank you for giving us hope that Emily can once again live out her childhood with freedom and confidence."

$1,005raised
Fully funded

Laysing is a two-year-old boy from Preah Sihanouk Province in Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his four-year-old sister. His father works for a private company, while his mother stays at home to care for the children. He enjoys playing with toys alongside his sister, and his favorite meal is soup, especially lemongrass sour soup. Laysing was born with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side. His parents first noticed the condition when he began walking. As he has grown, the scoliosis has caused him to tire easily when walking or playing. The condition makes everyday activities difficult and sometimes causes discomfort. Laysing's parents are concerned about his posture and possible complications in the future. Laysing's family heard about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and traveled four hours to attend a consultation. After extensive testing, doctors recommended that Laysing have spinal surgery. Without treatment, Laysing's symptoms will continue, and he will be at risk of future complications. On March 23rd, surgeons at CSC will implant a metal "growing rod" into Laysing's spine to help correct the curve and allow for further spine growth. CSC is requesting $1,500 to cover the costs of his surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. This treatment will help him stand taller, move more comfortably, and reduce fatigue. After recovery, he should be able to play, walk, and participate in daily activities more easily, improving both his quality of life and his confidence. Laysing's mother shares, “I pray that after the surgery, my child will feel stronger, stand taller, and live freely without discomfort, embracing a future full of hope and happiness.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded