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United States
Ryan's Story

Ryan joined Watsi on November 6th, 2014. Twelve years ago, Ryan joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Ryan's most recent donation traveled 8,500 miles to support George, a 10-year-old boy from Kenya, to fund hearing aids.

Impact

Ryan has funded healthcare for 140 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Ryan

Mann Ya is a 14-year-old girl who lives with her parents and siblings in Battambang Province in Cambodia. Her father works as an army officer at the Thai border, while her mother manages the household. Mann Ya is the youngest of three children, and is currently in Grade 8. In February this year, Mann Ya was involved in a motorcycle traffic accident that caused fractures on her left leg. She underwent initial surgical treatment in Battambang Province, which included internal fixation of the left femur, and external fixation of the left tibia. Despite this treatment, she developed a persistent infected wound on her affected leg, which has failed to heal properly, and which remains open. This condition has significantly affected Mann Ya's daily life. She has difficulty walking, and has been unable to attend school regularly, which has disrupted her education and normal childhood activities. Mann Ya was later referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for further management. She is now scheduled to undergo free flap surgery on June 17th at Kien Khlang National Rehabilitation Centre, to close the open wound, and to improve soft tissue coverage. The procedure will also help control infection, protect underlying structures, reduce complications, and promote optimal healing and functional recovery of the left leg. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is seeking $859 to fund Mann Ya's procedure, which should enable her to return to the life that she knew, prior to the accident. Mann Ya's mother said: “As a mother, I worry every day when I see my daughter struggling to walk and unable to attend school like other children. I hope this treatment will finally help her heal, so she can return to her studies, regain her independence, and look forward to a brighter future.”

$566raised
$293to go

Charles is a 36-year-old father of four from Kenya. Before his illness, Charles operated a small shop selling sausages. Since his injury, he has been unable to run the business effectively, and his wife has taken over the running of the shop to support the family. The income from the business barely meets their basic needs, making it difficult to raise funds for the required surgery. Charles was at his shop in July 2025 when demonstrations broke out, and a crowd raided the building where his shop was located. In an attempt to escape, he was forced to jump from the first floor, landing badly, and severely injuring his right leg. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent a fracture repair surgery. Unfortunately, the wound failed to heal properly. When Charles went to AIC Kijabe Hospital in September 2025, an examination revealed that the wound was severely infected. The metal nail that had been inserted during the initial surgery had to be removed to allow the infection to clear. Since then, Charles has been attending regular follow-up visits for wound cleaning and dressing. During a clinic visit in February 2026, he was finally cleared to undergo another ORIF surgery to stabilize his leg and allow proper healing. Unfortunately, his insurance coverage had already been exhausted and could not cover the required procedure. Charles continues to live in pain. He moves with the help of crutches, and at times the pain becomes unbearable, forcing him to rely on pain medication for relief. He is now reaching out for support so he can undergo surgery and finally heal. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 5th, Charles will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk easily again and go back to being a provider for his family Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Charles says, “Sometimes my leg swells so much, that it becomes difficult to move, even with crutches.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Peter is a hardworking 33-year-old young man from Kenya. He works as a casual farm laborer to meet his basic needs. On December 2nd 2025, Peter was in a tragic road traffic accident. He was riding on a motorcycle when it was involved in a head-on collision with a lorry, and he sustained severe injuries from head to toe. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received first aid, including stitching of head and facial wounds and bandaging of his right leg. Due to excessive bleeding and the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to our medical partner facility, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for advanced care. Since admission, Peter has undergone an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure, as well as a surgical debridement, exhausting the number of procedures covered under his national health insurance cover for the year. Unfortunately, Peter now requires a skin graft, as the wound on his foot has become infected and is deteriorating. Since the accident, Peter is confined to a hospital bed and has suffered memory loss; he does not recall his name or family members and frequently experiences confusion and forgetfulness. As his hospital bill continues to rise daily, the family is overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for help - his siblings also rely on irregular casual work for a living. They are appealing for financial and medical support to enable Peter to undergo the needed surgery. The family remains hopeful that, with proper treatment and recovery, Peter’s memory and overall health will improve gradually. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Peter receive treatment. On January 5th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help his wound heal. Now, Peter needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Peter says: "I've been in so much pain since the accident. I'm praying that this surgery will bring some relief."

$1,185raised
Fully funded