Ryan Kimmel
Ryan's Story

Ryan joined Watsi on June 16th, 2015. 8 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Ryan's most recent donation traveled 8,200 miles to support Franklien, a child from Philippines, to fund malnutrition treatment.

Impact

Ryan has funded healthcare for 11 patients in 6 countries.

Patients funded by Ryan

Walfred is a baby boy who lives with his family in Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), tells us, “When we visited Walfred at his house, he was suffering from chronic diarrhea and a cough. His mother knew he was not growing well and was extremely happy when we arrived because her neighbor had mentioned that we could be of help.” “When we weighed and measured Walfred, it became apparent that he is suffering from acute malnutrition," WK reports. "Walfred’s mom was embarrassed to tell us that she has been feeding him diluted powdered cow’s milk and sugar water. She told us that she didn’t know what else do when she realized she was unable to produce breast milk, and they didn’t have enough money to afford formula.” Walfred’s family does not have easy access to clean water, so not only is Walfred not receiving sufficient nutrients and antibodies, but he also has a parasitic infection. WK elaborates, “Walfred is the youngest of 10 children. His father is a sharecropper and does not own land. He has been worried about providing for his family for a long time, and is extremely happy to start working with us. Walfred’s siblings love him, and like to carry him on their backs while they do other chores around the house. The family is well known and respected in the community.” With $1,220 in funding, WK will provide nutrition education, formula supplementation, and deworming medication for Walfred and his mother. WK reports, “Treating lactation failure is easy and effective. Formula supplementation promotes normal physical and mental development and gives the child the chance to reach their full growth potential. Nutrition education provides the mother with the skills she needs to ensure her child’s healthy growth and development.” Walfred’s mother shares, “I am so thankful that you sought me out.” Let’s help Walfred regain his health and reach his developmental milestones!

$1,220raised
Fully funded

Meet two-month-old Sebastian, a cheerful baby boy from Haiti. “Sebastien lives with his mother and father; he is their first child, and also the first grandchild in both families, so he gets a lot of attention from his family,” reports our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA). “He is usually a happy baby and rarely fusses. His father works in the construction trades, and his mother worked as a market vendor until Sebastien was born.” Sebastien has severe pulmonary stenosis, a congenital defect that results from abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. “His pulmonary valve is too narrow to allow blood to pass freely through it,” explains HCA. “As a result, blood blacks up into his heart, causing heart failure and putting him at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.” For $1500, Sebastien can travel overseas to receive surgery that will correct the width of his pulmonary valve. University Hospital of Martinique is contributing an additional $7,500 toward his surgery. “A balloon will be inserted into the valve to stretch it open to a near-normal size,” reports HCA. “Following surgery, Sebastien’s pulmonary valve should function normally, and he should not need further intervention.” This cost includes passports, visas, pre-departure diagnostic procedures, airline tickets, food support, calling cards to Haiti, a host family stipend, local expenses, and temporary travel insurance. “The doctors explained to me that Sebastien’s problem is very serious and dangerous,” says Sebastien’s mother. “I’m so happy they will be able to fix it, God willing!”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

"My prayer is that I get well and my family is restored. I want to have a good relationship with my husband again," says Tabitha. Meet Tabitha, a 49-year-old woman from Kenya. Tabitha is married and a mother of two sons who are attending college. Tabitha has been diagnosed with breast cancer in her left breast. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) explains, “Tabitha first noticed a lump in her left breast late last year. She visited a local dispensary and was advised to seek care at a national referral hospital. However due to the large number of patients awaiting care at the hospital, and the pain she is experiencing, Tabitha came to [a partner hospital of AMHF] hoping for faster service." "Tabitha feels pain in her left breast and around her left shoulder. She used to sell milk but has been unable to work for the past few months," AMHF continues. “If not treated soon, the cancer could spread to other vital organs in Tabitha’s body and this could result in death.” Tabitha's husband owns a small automobile spare-parts shop and supports their children’s education and basic needs of the family. However, Tabitha and her husband have been estranged for a few years, and he will not be helping Tabitha cover the cost of treatment. “Tabitha's brothers have helped her raise some money for treatment but it is not enough. She is not able to cover the cost of treatment," AMHF shares. For $740, Tabitha will receive a mastectomy. Doctors expect that after treatment and recovery, Tabitha will be able to go back to work and live cancer-free. Let’s give Tabitha a hand in this difficult time and help her access the healthcare she needs.

$740raised
Fully funded