S
Stephanie A WilliamsUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

United States
Stephanie's Story

Stephanie joined Watsi on January 29th, 2015. Twelve years ago, Stephanie joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Stephanie's most recent donation traveled 8,200 miles to support Makbel, a 16-month-old baby boy from Ethiopia, to fund corrective surgery for a birth condition.

Impact

Stephanie has funded healthcare for 140 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Stephanie

Makbel is a 16-month-old baby boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing with cars and spending time with his older brother and sister. His mother works in the human resources department of a government organization, while his father is an electrician. Makbel was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Makbel was taken to a medical centre and referred to a higher-level hospital for further evaluation. The attending doctor recommended an ultrasound and surgical correction. However, the family was informed that there was a waiting list for surgery. Due to financial constraints, they could not afford private treatment. Eventually, Makbel was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), for further management. Upon arrival, his mother expressed relief and gratitude for the support and access to care. Makbel was warmly received at BKMCM, where the medical team conducted a thorough evaluation. Fortunately, Makbel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 30th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Makbel’s mother said, "Thank you to BethanyKids for giving my child this chance and opportunity for surgery. We are truly grateful for your support and kindness. BethanyKids has a great vision of helping children in need. May God bless all of you and every member of the staff. Thank you so much."

$406raised
$887to go

Yesak is a joyful two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is known for his bright smile, active nature, and love for playing with his friends. He enjoys playing football and riding his bicycle. As the first child of his parents, he is curious, intelligent, and quick to remember new things. He loves exploring his surroundings, spending time with other children, and learning through play. Yisak lives with his parents in a rented house. His father works in the insurance sector, while his mother works as a messenger. Yesak was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Yesak's parents first discovered his condition when they took him for circumcision. During the visit, the doctor explained the condition to them. The news left the family worried and frustrated, but the doctor reassured them that the condition was treatable and advised them not to lose hope. The doctor referred Yisak to a higher-level hospital for specialized treatment when he became older. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Yesak is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 26th, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Yisak's father said, "Thank you very much. We were warmly welcomed and treated with kindness by the staff. The services provided were professional and exceeded our expectations. We are grateful for the care and support given to Yisak and hopeful for a positive outcome for his condition."

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Kelvin is a lively five-year-old boy who lives in Kenya with his parents and older sibling. His father is a motorcycle taxi driver, and his mother is a farmer. He is an active boy who enjoys playing football. At home, he is very helpful and often assists his family with chores, including working on the farm. Kelvin was born with a significant misalignment in his right foot. This condition has affected his ability to stand upright and to walk with ease. Kelvin was also born with a heart condition, which took priority in terms of treatment. Thankfully, this condition was successfully treated, and Kelvin's family can now focus on treatment for his mobility issues. Kelvin has already received conservative treatments at several hospitals, but unfortunately, there has been no significant improvement in his condition. Thus, his parents decided to visit the CURE Mobile Clinic in Meru, where they were referred to our partner's medical care center, AIC CURE International Hospital. After a thorough assessment, Kelvin was scheduled for right tibia hemimelia reconstruction surgery. This surgery is expected to greatly improve his life, allowing him to stand upright, walk properly, and enjoy childhood like other children his age. Kelvin will undergo surgery on April 29th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Kelvin's procedure and care. Kelvin's mother shared, “I am praying that he receives treatment, recovers quickly, and can join school like other children."

$1,224raised
Fully funded

Lewis is an energetic boy from Tanzania. He is living under the loving care of his grandmother and aunt. When he was just two years old, his mother passed away, leaving him in the hands of the two women who now pour all their love and strength into raising him. Despite the challenges he faces, Lewis has a joyful spirit that stands out wherever he goes. He loves spending his afternoons playing football with the neighborhood children. His dream is to one day become like Pacome, a player on the famous YANGA Football Club, strong, skilled, and admired. Each time Lewis kicks a ball, he imagines himself scoring a goal in a packed stadium. However, Lewis was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. At his age, when most children are active and carefree, Lewis often becomes frustrated because his legs can’t keep up with his dreams. His grandmother has watched him fall behind physically, and her biggest wish is to see him run freely like any other child his age. Life at home is humble. Lewis and his grandmother spend much of their time tending to a small green garden behind their house, one of the few sources of food and income the family relies on. Even in the garden, Lewis tries to help, carrying small watering cans or chasing birds away from the crops. Fortunately, Lewis's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on November 27th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to fund Lewis's clubfoot repair. After treatment and with the proper intervention, he will finally be able to stand, walk, and run without pain. Lewis's aunt says, "I hope Lewis's leg will be okay, so that he can enjoy his childhood."

$1,171raised
Fully funded