United States
Jim's Story

Jim joined Watsi on November 5th, 2014. Twelve years ago, Jim joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Jim's most recent donation traveled 9,000 miles to support Sarai, a mother of four from Malawi, to fund a thyroidectomy.

Impact

Jim has funded healthcare for 142 patients in 18 countries.

Patients funded by Jim

Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

$497raised
$403to go

Noosokon is a 34-year-old mother of four from Kenya. She and her husband own two cows, relying on livestock farming for their family's livelihood. A few days ago, Noosokon was milking one of the cows, as was her daily routine, when the cow suddenly struck her on the right side of her jaw, pushing her against a sharp object that severely injured her face. She began bleeding and was in severe pain. She was rushed to a nearby health center before being referred to a hospital for further management. At the hospital, she received first aid treatment, including stitches to the open wound, and was given pain medication before being referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Scans at the hospital revealed that her jaw had been fractured during the incident. Unfortunately, she has not been able to undergo treatment because her family is not able to raise the amount required for surgery. Her jaw remains swollen, and she has been unable to eat due to the pain and swelling; she can only take milk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 3rd, Noosokon will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help relieve her pain, help her heal and go back to her daily life. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Noosokon says, “I am in pain. I am unable to sleep due to the swelling.”

$1,115raised
Fully funded

Noel is a 55-year-old man from the Philippines who lives with his wife and children. His wife, Annabelle, works for the government, but most of her income contributes to supporting their relatives. They have three children: the oldest is already working and helps a little with household expenses, while the two younger children are still studying. After Noel's family learned that surgery would be the best option to treat his condition, they wanted it to be done as soon as possible, knowing that his health could affect how he cared for his family. Eleven months ago, Noel began to experience troubling symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, pressure in his neck, and shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter. He needs thyroid removal surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Noel receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on December 29th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland to reduce his pain and allow him to return to caring for his family. Some of the costs will be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. However, Noel still needs help with the remaining $935 to cover the rest of his care. Noel says, "Knowing the cost of my surgery would be covered gave me comfort and motivated me to move forward with the operation. Now, I can concentrate on my recovery. Thank you to everyone who is making this happen."

$935raised
Fully funded

Sam Oeun is a 41-year-old blacksmith from Cambodia. He is married and has two children. His eldest child is 16 years old and in eighth grade, and his youngest is seven years old and in third grade. His wife sells clothing at a local market. In his free time, Sam Oeun assists his wife with her work and cares for their children. Three months ago, on a rainy evening, Sam Oeun fell off his motorbike. His right arm hit the road, fracturing his right scapula and clavicle. At a local hospital, he had surgery to stabilize his fractures with hardware, but was still unable to move his right arm. He visited a local clinic, where he was told he needed physical therapy to improve the strength of his arm. A friend told him he should visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, a one-and-a-half-hour mini-bus ride from their home in Kandal province. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his 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. He is unable to lift his right arm, experiences pain and stiffness at night, has disturbed sleep, and is too weak to work as a blacksmith or help his family. Sam Oeun 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 October 7th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, the treatment, including surgery and physiotherapy, should restore some function and mobility in his right arm. Sam Oeun can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $637 more to fund his procedure and care. Sam Oeun said: "After the surgery, I hope I will be able to use my hand again, so I can return to my work and support my family."

$637raised
Fully funded