Martin Gingras
Martin's Story

Martin joined Watsi on November 4th, 2015. 40 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Martin's most recent donation traveled 8,100 miles to support Lilian, a first grader from Kenya, to fund clubfoot treatment.

Impact

Martin has funded healthcare for 56 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Martin

Chit is a 68-year-old from Burma. He lives with his sister, brother-in-law, niece, his niece's husband and their son. All of his family members are farmers who grow rice for their own consumption and peanuts which they sell. Chit used to work as a cowherd, but stopped when he fell ill one year ago. Sometimes his niece's husband works as a day laborer. They also have two pigs and 10 chickens, which they sell in case they need emergency cash. Their income is just enough to cover their daily expenses and pay for basic health care. Three years ago, Chit start to experience frequent back pain. After hearing about Mae Tao Clinic (MTC), he decided to seek help there. At the clinic he received an ultrasound and a urine test. After reviewing the result, the medic told him there was nothing wrong with his bladder and provided him with medication. However, the medication did not work and his back pain kept returning on and off. In 2019, Chit developed severe pain in his lower left back in addition to difficulty passing urine accompanied by a burning sensation. He went to the nearest clinic where he received a urine test and an ultrasound. After checking his result, the doctor told him that he had a urinary tract infection and inflammation of the bladder. Doctors provided him with antibiotics and gave him an injection. Three week later, when he did not feel better, his niece brought him to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in Thailand, where he underwent another ultrasound and urine test. The results indicted that he has a stone in his bladder. The doctor gave him a follow-up appointment for 24th of January 2020 and he received two months' worth of medication in the meantime. When he returned for his appointment, he received an x-ray. Following this, the doctor told him that he needs surgery and a pre-surgical deposit of 15,000 baht (approx. $500 USD) would be required by the hospital. The doctor then scheduled his surgery for March 31st, 2020. Unable to pay for the surgery, Chit and his niece returned to MTC to ask for help. At MTC, Chit received a urinary catheter and a medic referred him to Watsi's Medical Partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) for assistance in accessing further treatment and support. Chit's niece said, “When I was young my uncle looked after me well. So I want to help and support his treatment as much as I can. I am very grateful that he has received this chance to have his treatment supported by you. As we have financial problems at home, I cannot find anyone to borrow money from easily if you would not support him.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Gibson is a young playful boy from Being the firstborn in a family of two, he loves helping his mother around the kitchen and playing football. When he was two years old, Gibson suffered extensive burns on his left upper body after hot boiling beans spilt on him while playing with his friend in the kitchen. He was taken to the hospital and spent a long time healing. He healed with contractures on his left axilla and had a partial burn contracture release. The surgical site developed infections and he had skin grafting done but unfortunately failed and had a repeat surgery. He was reviewed by visiting surgeons and had skin flap surgery recommended to allow blood circulation. Without treatment, Gibson will be at risk of long term complications on his left hand.Gibson's parents are peasant farmers who rely on the few harvests they get to make ends meet. They are not able to consolidate sufficient funds for their child's surgery. The appeal for financial assistance. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Gibson receive treatment. On September 26th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery. Once treated, he will be able to stretch his hand with ease and reduce further infections on the wound. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Gibson’s father says, “The doctors have advised on one more surgery to make my son even better but am unable to afford the cost, if it’s possible kindly help us.”

$832raised
Fully funded