I <3 Watsi!

United States   •   http://www.givfolio.org   •   July 28th
Amanda's Story

Amanda joined Watsi on August 12th, 2015. Eleven years ago, Amanda joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Amanda's most recent donation traveled 8,300 miles to support Paw, a young woman from Burma, to fund a C-section to safely deliver her baby.

Impact

Amanda has funded healthcare for 133 patients in 15 countries.

Patients funded by Amanda

Thiago is a five-year-old boy from Colombia. He lives in Yarumal, Antioquia, with his family. He is intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where he interacts with his classmates with enthusiasm and warmth. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming a great doctor to help those in need. Since birth, Thiago has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents Thiago from carrying out daily activities such as playing, jumping, and enjoying his childhood. It can, in many cases, lead to tenderness in the area and an increased risk of complications if left untreated. Fortunately, on July 28th, Thiago will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Thiago's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Thiago's mother said, "As Thiago’s mother, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity. The support you’re providing for my son’s surgery means so much more than just financial assistance; it gives us hope again and makes us feel that we’re not alone during this difficult time. We’ve been waiting a long time for this treatment, as we’re confident it will improve his quality of life, prevent complications, and allow him to go about his daily activities just like any other child his age."

$1,005raised
Fully funded

Kidus is a cheerful, active, and sociable two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing with other children, and enjoys toy cars. As the first child in his family, he brings immense joy to his parents. His mother is a homemaker, while his father works as an assistant to transport drivers. Their income is limited, and the family lives in a house owned by a relative. Kidus was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His condition was discovered shortly after birth while he was still in the hospital. The doctors informed his parents that he should not undergo circumcision, because corrective surgery would be required in the future. They advised the family to seek further medical review at a higher-level hospital. The news was very difficult for Kidus's parents. His mother became deeply distressed, and often cried because she worried about her son's future. His father was also greatly affected by the situation. Determined to find help, they took Kidus to a public referral hospital, where doctors assessed his condition and informed the family that Kidus would likely require two surgical procedures. However, because he was still young, he was put on a surgical waiting list. The family patiently waited for two years before receiving a call from the hospital. They were referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM) for surgical treatment. Fortunately, Kidus is now scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of Kidus' procedure and care. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms, and he will be at risk of future complications. Kidus' mother expressed her gratitude, saying: "I pray that Kidus will recover well, and have a healthy future. Thank you very much for this opportunity and support. May God richly bless you, reward your kindness, and bless the work of your hands. We are truly grateful for all that you have done for our family."

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Musa is a jovial and sociable 14-year-old boy from Narok County in Kenya. He is the last born in a family of seven, and is currently a Grade 7 student. His mother is a home maker, while his father works as a small-scale farmer to provide for their family. Like many boys his age, Musa enjoys being active, but his biggest dream is to become an athlete in the future. However, Musa’s journey has not been easy. He was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition where the feet are twisted out of shape, which makes walking and running difficult. Because of this condition, Musa has often struggled with mobility, which has limited his ability to run and participate in sports like other children. Despite these challenges, Musa has not given up on his dreams. Musa is not new to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital. He previously underwent surgery on his right foot, which is now corrected, greatly improving his mobility. Musa now needs corrective surgery on his left foot. Although resources are limited, Musa’s parents remain hopeful and supportive as their son continues his treatment journey. Musa was admitted to the hospital, and is currently undergoing serial casting in preparation for surgery on his left foot. Musa is scheduled for clubfoot repair surgery on March 11th at AIC CURE Hopsital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Musa's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to stand upright, walk comfortably, run freely, and continue with his studies without hindrance. Most importantly, it will bring him closer to chasing his dream of becoming an athlete and, perhaps one day, representing Kenya in international athletic events. Musa says: “I really looking forward to standing upright, walking well, and achieving my dream of becoming an athlete in the future."

$1,286raised
Fully funded

James is a 19-year-old final-year secondary school student from Kenya, hardworking and deeply grounded in his faith. Outside school, he serves faithfully at his church, offering his time to clean and help maintain the premises. On 3rd January 2026, James and his cousin went to church to clean and prepare it for the service that was to take place the following day. After finishing their work, they began walking back home. Traffic was heavy, and before crossing the road, James paused to make sure it was safe. As he started walking across the road, a matatu, which was overtaking recklessly using the pedestrian path, hit him. The vehicle did not stop. It sped off, leaving James lying injured on the road. His cousin rushed to him and called for help. With the support of well-wishers, a kind passerby offered to bring them to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. At the emergency unit, doctors found that James had suffered a fracture to his left leg, along with serious bruising to his right hand. He is in severe pain and still in shock. The medical team has advised that he urgently needs surgery: a left tibia debridement and an ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation). James’ parents, who are his only source of support, have been unable to raise the required hospital bill since the accident. James was expected to return to school on 7th January after the holidays, but due to the accident and his current condition, this will not be possible. The accident happened suddenly, and they have no means to meet the medical costs. Despite everything, James continues to trust that with proper treatment, he will heal, return to school and complete his studies. It is difficult for him to walk and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 5th, James will undergo a fracture repair procedure at AIC Kijabe Hospital. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. “I am in so much pain right now, and it feels like my life has come to a standstill. I won’t be able to report back to school at the moment, but I believe all will be well,” James shares.

$1,500raised
Fully funded