Software developer in NYC

United States   •   Carta, Inc
Chet's Story

Chet joined Watsi on June 11th, 2015. Eleven years ago, Chet joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Chet's most recent donation traveled 8,300 miles to support Naw Chr, a seamstress from Burma, to fund a caesarean section.

Impact

Chet has funded healthcare for 135 patients in 15 countries.

Patients funded by Chet

Three-year-old Rouss lives in the western part of Bolivia with her parents and an older sister. Her mother works as a food vendor, while her father is a mechanic. Rouss and her family are also expecting a baby brother soon, as her mother is currently pregnant and due to deliver in the near future. Two days after she was born, Rouss was admitted to the hospital due to breathing difficulties. Upon examination, doctors discovered she was suffering from a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. These conditions resulted in a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart, causing blood to leak through without passing through her lungs for oxygen, which leaves Rouss weak and short of breath. Additionally, there is a second hole between two major blood vessels next to her heart. The doctors informed her mother that Rouss required urgent open-heart surgery. Rouss also has Down syndrome. Because the family lives in a very rural area of Bolivia, it has taken a long time for Rouss to access the surgery she needs. Fortunately, on April 2nd, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During the procedure, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole to close it, so that blood can no longer leak through it. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Rouss's cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Rouss's mother says: "We are so glad to be here, and to know there is a solution for her heart problem. I love her and only want the best for her!"

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Zaw is a 13-year-old student from Burma. He lives in Karen State, Burma, with his grandparents, father, and brother. Zaw’s father used to work in Bangkok, Thailand, but returned to Burma in early 2025 to help look after Zaw. His mother works as a domestic worker in Bangkok and sends money to Zaw’s grandparents every month to cover their daily expenses and pay for basic health care. Zaw’s grandparents are retired and look after him and his brother. Zaw enjoys playing cane ball and football in his free time. Zaw was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backward. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Zaw sometimes has a rapid heartbeat, and he experiences some fatigue when he plays and walks longer distances. He also needs to take medication regularly. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a heart valve replacement for Zaw. The treatment is scheduled to take place on July 11th and, once completed, will allow him to live more comfortably. Zaw's father said, “When I learned that he could get surgery in Bangkok, I felt hopeless because we don’t have money. Our family’s income is just enough to cover our family expenses. Thank you so much for your support for him and my family.” And Zaw shared, “I want to play football again once I have fully recovered, and I want to become an engineer when I grow up.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded