Matthew MolnarUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

United States
Matthew's Story

Matthew joined Watsi on May 7th, 2013. Ten years ago, Matthew joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Matthew's most recent donation traveled 8,300 miles to support Paw, a 22-year-old woman from Burma, to fund a C-section to safely deliver her baby.

Impact

Matthew has funded healthcare for 124 patients in 14 countries.

Patients funded by Matthew

Paw is a 22-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, mother, sister, and brother. Her husband works as a nurse. Her mother is retired, and her brother volunteers at the clinic where her husband works. Her sister helps with the household work. Their total household income is not enough to cover their basic needs. Paw enjoys sewing in her free time. Paw is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Paw undergo a C-Section on October 5th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw shared, “Thank you so much for supporting me with the surgery cost. Without the donors’ support, it would be difficult financially for my family and me. May God bless the donors and BCMF for providing this support to me.”

$968raised
$532to go

Kanhchana is an eight-year-old Grade 4 student from Cambodia. She is the only child in her family. Her father is a rice farmer, while her mother works in a garment factory. She enjoys mathematics at school and likes playing with toys alongside her cousins. Her favorite meal is fried pork with ginger. When Kanhchana was three years old, she suffered a hot-water burn to her left hand. After being treated at a private clinic, the burn healed with scarring that caused her fingers to contract. She later had contracture release and skin grafting, but tightness remains between several fingers, particularly between the third and fourth fingers. Burn scars have caused contractures affecting the second through fifth fingers of her left hand. The tight webspace between her middle and ring fingers limits how comfortably she can use her hand. Her mother is also concerned that her daughter may become self-conscious about the appearance of her hand as she gets older. When Kanhchana's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 15th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to loosen the tight area between her third and fourth fingers, helping her use and move her left hand more comfortably. Now, she needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Kanhchana's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help improve my daughter’s hand and make it easier for her to use her fingers. I also worry that she may feel shy about her hand as she grows older, so I hope the treatment will help her feel more comfortable and confident.”

$165raised
$487to go

Phyo Min is a 31-year-old agricultural day labourer from Burma. He lives with his wife, two sons, and daughter in a refugee village in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. Phyo Min works as an agricultural day labourer in the corn fields near his village, while his wife is a homemaker. Their three children are students attending a migrant school. Originally from Bago Division, Burma, the family moved to Thailand in 2020 to seek better job opportunities. On the 9th of March 2026, Phyo Min experienced severe upper right abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. After several tests, doctors found that he had multiple stones in the intrahepatic duct (IHD) and common hepatic duct (CHD) with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. Phyo Min has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), is helping Phyo Min undergo surgery on August 14th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Phyo Min's procedure and care. Phyo Min said, "I am happy and excited to receive surgery, but I am also a bit scared. However, without surgery, I won't feel better, so this is the only option that will help me get better. After treatment, I will rest for a while and go back to work as soon as possible, as I am the only person who can support my family."

$977raised
$523to go

Moo is a 14-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his step-sister and his two nieces in a refugee camp in Thailand. His parents still live in Burma. He came to the camp so he could continue studying. He is in the 7th grade. During his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends and reading books. On July 8th, 2026, Moo had stomach pains. A few days later, he started to have a fever. He visited the hospital in the camp, where he was given medicines. Unfortunately, the medicines did not address his symptoms. Moo was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sariang Hospital, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. He needs surgery immediately, or his symptoms will continue to worsen. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Moo receive treatment. On July 15th, he will undergo an appendectomy, a surgery to remove the appendix when it becomes infected. He needs help raising $1,500 to help fund his procedure and care. Moo said, "I am so much in pain, and I could not bear it anymore. Thank you very much for helping me."

$985raised
$515to go

Daw Win is a 66-year-old woman from Burma who lives with her daughter, grandson, and two granddaughters in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. In 2022, the family fled their home in Bago Division, Burma, to escape nearby conflict. Daw Win is a homemaker, and her grandchildren are students. Her daughter is a teacher and also picks up work as a day labourer during school holidays. In late December 2025, Daw Win started experiencing lower abdominal pain and pressure around the mass when sitting. She has frequent urination and cannot sit for long periods of time due to the pain, preferring to lie down on her side. She has been diagnosed with a uterine myoma. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Daw Win's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Daw Win is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on June 11th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, this surgery will help Daw Win be free from pain and discomfort, and she will be able to spend time with her family and help with household chores comfortably. Daw Win said, "After surgery, I will return home to help with household chores and take care of my grandkids so that my daughter can go back to work full-time. Thank you so much to this organization and the donors for being willing to support my treatment.”

$995raised
$505to go

Roberto is a resilient 56-year-old man from the Philippines. He is currently unemployed and relies on his brother for food and daily support. He had previously worked as a messenger but had to stop after being advised by the doctor to avoid lifting heavy objects. Two months ago, Roberto was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has caused him anxiety and has prevented him from working. Doctors have recommended a hernia repair surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 16th, Roberto will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Roberto says, "Many thanks to the foundation and to all the people who helped me and became instruments of God in supporting me through this difficult time. May God continue to guide, protect, and bless you, and may your kindness be returned to you many times over."

$537raised
$501to go

Alson is an eight-year-old student from Ethiopia. He lives with his parents and two brothers. His father works tirelessly for the government, staying at his job both day and night. His mother stays home to give all her love and care to her three boys. Six years ago, Alson started to experience snoring, high fever, and difficulty eating. Being sick all the time means he misses many days of school. He is falling behind in his classes and feels lonely because he can't be with his friends. Alson was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Alson, which is scheduled to take place on January 10th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Alson of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Alson's family says, "We are all so excited for him to finally get healthy and feel like himself again. Our greatest wish is to see him happy and strong, running back to school and playing with his friends. We can’t wait for the day he can just be a kid again, without that constant, heavy throat pain holding him back."

$700raised
Fully funded

Kelvin is an 18-year-old from Kenya. His mother is single and bringing up six children. She has had to depend on small-scale farming and casual jobs in her village to meet her children's needs and schooling. She describes raising her children as the most challenging journey of her life. Kelvin was involved in a serious road traffic accident one day while riding his brother's motorbike back home. He sustained an open fracture to his leg that was initially fixated and stabilized. Unfortunately, his recovery was beset with a series of recurrent infections, leading to a long and painful recovery and many hospital admissions. After his initial discharge, Kelvin continued his recovery at home with regular wound dressings. However, his condition worsened when he developed a sinus tract (a connection between a deep infection and the skin), and it was clear that his infection was persisting. He was readmitted to the hospital and eventually needed a skin graft and further antibiotics. The cost of this was provided by SAFE and this procedure was successful. Through it all, Kelvin endured chronic pain and disability, repeated surgeries, long hospital stays, and uncertainty became his daily reality. His mother has been by his side for all his procedures, but this has caused her considerable financial hardship. After many months Kelvin's wound is finally healed with no signs of infection. It is a remarkable recovery considering everything he has been through. But his recovery journey is not yet quite complete. The cost of his multiple surgeries has already exhausted all available resources, and his mother is unable to fund the last stage of Kelvin's recovery and treatment. Despite the substantial progress made, Kelvin’s leg remains unstable due to his partially healed fracture. He cannot walk without crutches, and even then, movement is painful and limited. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 18th, Kelvin will undergo a fracture repair procedure. For him to regain full function and return to a normal life, he now requires internal fixation with a bone graft, a crucial procedure to ensure proper bone healing. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Kelvin says, "I have been through a lot of surgeries and am looking forward to a day when I will walk without support. Please help me achieve my dream of helping my mother."

$1,014raised
Fully funded

Samuel is a 27-year-old father of two from Kenya. He previously worked as a casual laborer at a milk processing company and was very committed to providing for his family. In 2019, a neighbor asked Samuel for help picking mangoes. He accidentally fell and sustained a spinal injury that led to paralysis. Over time, he was able to move around using a wheelchair, but he could not go back to work. His wife is now the family’s breadwinner, taking on any casual jobs available. On the 24th of January, 2026, Samuel accidentally fell from the bed and landed on his left leg, resulting in a closed fracture. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 16th, Samuel will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will prevent complications such as nonunion of the bone, and his situation will become even more difficult, as he may remain permanently bedridden. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund this procedure. Samuel shared, "I have waited, but my family is not able to pay the fee for this surgery. I would really appreciate it if helped, so that I can be operated. This will relieve my pain, and at least I can be well enough to move around rather than be in bed throughout."

$1,048raised
Fully funded

Jane is a 45-year-old woman from Kenya. She works as a domestic worker, washing clothes for others to support her family. Her husband is a construction worker, and they have three children together. In 2012, people began to notice that Jane could not hear well. She was diagnosed with hearing loss and advised to use hearing aids, but she could not afford them. Jane has learned to cope with her condition. She avoids public spaces and prefers to stay at home with her family, who understand and support her. In 2023, Jane visited our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, hoping to receive help, but when she discovered that she still could not afford the hearing aids, she returned home discouraged. Since then, she has largely kept to herself, praying for an opportunity to hear clearly again and live a normal life. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On January 14th, Jane will be fitted with hearing aids, and she needs help to raise $1,171. With this support, she hopes to be able to reconnect with her community and live a better life. Jane says, “I’ve lost so many friends. I always feel like a burden asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder so I can understand.”

$1,171raised
Fully funded

Faith is a 15-year-old 5th grader from Kitui County in Kenya, the firstborn in a family of two children. Her mother, who is a single parent, works as a hawker, selling shoes to support the family. Despite challenges, Faith and her mother have always remained hopeful. Faith loves plaiting and braiding hair, and she dreams of one day being able to stand and walk like other children. Faith was born with diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and clubfoot (CTEV), conditions that have limited her mobility since childhood. She cannot stand on her own and uses a wheelchair to move around. Faith was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital by her grandmother. At the moment, she is undergoing serial casting in preparation for club foot surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Faith receive treatment. On December 9th, she is scheduled to undergo repair surgery, providing her the opportunity to stand, walk on her own and gain independence. Now, Faith's family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure. Faith's grandmother says: “My prayer is to see Faith stand and walk like other children, and to continue with her education without any challenges."

$1,286raised
Fully funded

Nan Lae is a 15-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her parents, her two younger siblings in Karen State, Burma. Her father is a rice farmer, and her mother is a homemaker. She had to stop studying after the fourth grade due to her family’s financial difficulties. The family earns money from harvesting and selling rice, and their income is just enough to cover their daily expenses. In 2023, Lae noticed swelling in her gums. She visited the local clinic with her mother, where the medic removed a mass in her gums. The swelling disappeared, but after a year, the mass returned. Lae continues to experience swelling around her gums and difficulty opening her mouth. She can only chew on her left side because her right side is swollen. Nan Lae sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on November 12th, and needs help to raise $1,500 to cover the cost of her procedure and care. Lae shared, “I cannot eat; sometimes I have to avoid chewing hard food.” Her mother added, “I want her to recover from this as soon as possible. She has already suffered for two years.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded