Hayes Family
Hayes' Story

Hayes joined Watsi on May 21st, 2013. 23 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Hayes' most recent donation traveled 7,000 miles to support Justice, an eight-year-old boy from Uganda, to treat severe malnutrition.

Impact

Hayes has funded healthcare for 6 patients in 3 countries.

Patients funded by Hayes

Meet Rabira, an eight-year-old son of peasant farmers from Ethiopia. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), explains: “Rabira was born with a condition called ‘imperforated anus.’ For the last eight years he has lived with a colostomy that enables him to pass stool.” Also known as anorectal malformation (ARM), Rabira’s condition involves a blockage of stool flow and/or an incorrect alignment of the anus and rectum. Although Rabira has a colostomy, meaning that his colon is linked to an artificial opening so that he can effectively pass stool, his treatment is not complete. ARM still causes vomiting, pain, bloating, and malnutrition, and there is a stigma surrounding it. “Rabira has suffered from social stigma and colostomy complications,” AMHF reports. “[Rabira’s parents] do not have any money to cover any amount of the bills that Rabira's treatment will generate. That is why he has endured all these years without receiving treatment.” AMHF continues, “[They] are very eager to send him to school once he is cured.” This will be possible for $1,500, with which a new anal opening will be created. According to AMHF, “Rabira will undergo a PSARP (the next step following a colostomy) and then two to three months from now he will undergo the final stage of the surgery (colostomy closure).” After surgery, “Rabira will be able to pass stool normally. He will have a chance to attend school, work towards his dreams, and will no longer be under social stigma," AMHF shares. Furthermore, the discomfort caused by this condition will decrease dramatically, further improving Rabira’s quality of life. “Rabira wants to be a ball player but he has a very hard time playing with his peers because of the colostomy. He hopes to be able to play and go to school once he is well,” AMHF tells us.

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Meet Diana, a bright, five-year-old girl from Kenya. Diana and her family live in a two room traditional hut and she has three siblings currently enrolled in school. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), informs us that she was brought to their hospital last night in critical condition, and is currently in the ICU. “Diana has been suffering severe headaches, an inability to walk, persistent vomiting, and drowsiness,” AMHF reports. Sadly, these symptoms are the result of a brain tumor. The tumor was first noticed in nursery school when her symptoms began. Over the last few years, “her parents sought medical intervention from several hospitals but her condition got worse,” AMHF says. Diana’s father works on his own tea farm and her mother is a housewife. All of the family’s savings have been used paying for Diana’s medical bills. AMHF reports, “they sold the few livestock they had to get treatment for little Diana.” Diana needs a craniotomy to remove her tumor. $1,260 in funding will pay for the MRI or CAT scan needed to isolate the tumor, the craniotomy to remove it, and Diana’s post-operative recovery in the ICU. AMHF reports, “If treated, Diana will be relieved from the risk of experiencing high intra-cranial pressure and it will also minimize the risk of developing brain damage or becoming visually impaired.” Diana’s mother shares, “I really hope that little Diana gets well, we love her so much."

$1,260raised
Fully funded