K
Kent A. BinghamUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

United States
Kent's Story

Kent joined Watsi on December 19th, 2014. Twelve years ago, Kent joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Kent's most recent donation traveled 1,900 miles to support Anna, a student from Haiti, to fund treatment leading up to, and following heart surgery.

Impact

Kent has funded healthcare for 141 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Kent

Anna is an eight-year-old student from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her mother, father, and two younger brothers. Her father is a store clerk, and her mother is a teacher. She is in the third grade and likes all of her classes. Anna has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several related defects, including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These defects prevent her body from obtaining the oxygen it needs, leaving her weak and short of breath. Anna needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On October 19th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which time surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart and remove the blockage from her valve. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing $8,000 to pay for surgery. Anna's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Anna's family overseas. Anna's mother says, "Our family is hopeful that after this surgery, our daughter will have normal health for the first time."

$962raised
$538to go

Win is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He is married and has four children. His wife sells fruits and vegetables at a morning market. Win worked as a factory worker outside Bangkok, Thailand, but he had to stop working one month ago due to his medical condition. Win was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Win is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 21st at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital, to correct his heart condition and improve his quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to help fund Win's procedure and care. Win said, “For my whole life, I felt I was healthy. I did not believe it when I was told the diagnosis. I am looking forward to receiving the surgery so I can return to work soon. My children rely on me for their school fees. Even though we are in debt, I do not want them to know and worry. Without your help, I would not have the chance to receive this expensive surgery. Thank you for supporting us.”

$1,032raised
$468to go

Paw is a 23-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and son in a refugee camp in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong, Thailand. Her husband is a day labourer outside of the camp. She is a homemaker and primarily cares for her son at home. Her husband's income is just enough to cover their daily expenses, and they receive free basic healthcare in the camp. Paw is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Paw undergo a C-Section on August 11th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw said, "In the future, I hope to work outside of the camp like my husband when my children are older, with the support of my parents-in-law, who have offered to help care for my children."

$967raised
$533to go

Moo is a 14-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his step-sister and his two nieces in a refugee camp in Thailand. His parents still live in Burma. He came to the camp so he could continue studying. He is in the 7th grade. During his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends and reading books. On July 8th, 2026, Moo had stomach pains. A few days later, he started to have a fever. He visited the hospital in the camp, where he was given medicines. Unfortunately, the medicines did not address his symptoms. Moo was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sariang Hospital, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. He needs surgery immediately, or his symptoms will continue to worsen. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Moo receive treatment. On July 15th, he will undergo an appendectomy, a surgery to remove the appendix when it becomes infected. He needs help raising $1,500 to help fund his procedure and care. Moo said, "I am so much in pain, and I could not bear it anymore. Thank you very much for helping me."

$985raised
$515to go

Daw Win is a 66-year-old woman from Burma who lives with her daughter, grandson, and two granddaughters in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. In 2022, the family fled their home in Bago Division, Burma, to escape nearby conflict. Daw Win is a homemaker, and her grandchildren are students. Her daughter is a teacher and also picks up work as a day labourer during school holidays. In late December 2025, Daw Win started experiencing lower abdominal pain and pressure around the mass when sitting. She has frequent urination and cannot sit for long periods of time due to the pain, preferring to lie down on her side. She has been diagnosed with a uterine myoma. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, Daw Win's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, Daw Win is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on June 11th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, this surgery will help Daw Win be free from pain and discomfort, and she will be able to spend time with her family and help with household chores comfortably. Daw Win said, "After surgery, I will return home to help with household chores and take care of my grandkids so that my daughter can go back to work full-time. Thank you so much to this organization and the donors for being willing to support my treatment.”

$995raised
$505to go

Crispin is a 65-year-old father of three from the Philippines. He lives with his wife and daughter. He has two other children who already have their own families. Crispin is currently unemployed and depends on his daughter’s modest income, which only covers their daily needs. He explained that he could only undergo surgery if financial assistance were provided. Despite these challenges, Crispin takes care of himself by avoiding heavy lifting and eating healthier foods. Five months ago, Crispin was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has been causing him pain and difficulty in moving around. Crispin needs to undergo surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 15th, Crispin will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Crispin's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will ease his suffering, and lift the financial burden on his family, giving them a chance to move forward with dignity and hope. Crispin says, "I am deeply grateful to the Almighty and the Foundation for this surgery, which saves me from falling into debt and gives me hope that more people like me will continue to receive help."

$499raised
$539to go

Matiyas is a cheerful nine-month-old baby boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing with toys and puzzles and especially enjoys spending time with his parents. He is a sociable baby who brings joy to everyone around him. Matiyas 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. Fortunately, on April 8th, Matiyas is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Matiyas’s family is raising $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care, which will allow him to live more comfortably. Matiyas’s mother said, “I am so grateful for the support provided to us. I hope Matiyas will be in excellent condition after the surgery. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Modester is a small-scale farmer from Malawi. She is married with five children and comes from rural Dedza, about 86.9 km from Lilongwe. She never attended school. Since 2025, Modester has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. Hospital assessments confirmed uterine fibroids. Despite various medications and a tubal ligation in 2015, her symptoms persisted. She managed for some years, but in September 2025, the symptoms returned, this time with severe lower abdominal pain, backache, and extreme weakness. Her condition has greatly affected her ability to work, reducing the income she relies on for her family. She was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), for possible surgical support. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Modester's surgery. On March 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery, and once recovered, Modester will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. "This condition has threatened my life. The good news is that PIH can help me, and I am here today seeking support. Kindly help me," Modester pleaded during the assessment.

$1,363raised
Fully funded

Sai is a two-year-old boy from Burma. He lives in a refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand, with his mother, father, brother, and sister. His father is a day laborer in the camp, and his mother is a trainer in the camp. Since October 2025, Sai has had an inguinal hernia. When he is active or cries, the redness and bulging in the area of the hernia increase, and he experiences pain. Fortunately, on February 18th, Sai will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Sai's hernia repair surgery. Once fully recovered, he should be able to live more comfortably. Sai's mother shared, “Thank you very much. I just wish my son would grow up in good health and would be a good person.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Yonas is a quiet and shy 10-year-old from Ethiopia who loves playing football, making handmade crafts, and helping his mother around the house. Yonas lives with his parents and his youngest cousin. His mother is a teacher at a government school, and his father is a security guard at a bank, though he will be stopping work this month. Together, his parents work hard to support the family and meet their basic needs. Most of their income is spent on food, making it challenging to afford medical bills and medication. Yonas was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His mother was unable to find a health center to address his needs and was advised by relatives to leave the condition as it was. However, when Yonas was four years old, another relative noticed the condition and informed his mother that the symptoms were unusual. Distressed for her son and fearful of the stigma associated with this condition, she felt overwhelmed and hopeless. After moving to Addis Ababa, Yonas's mother took him to a hospital, where they were referred to a pediatric specialty hospital. The doctor reassured her that surgical intervention could correct the condition, which gave her hope; however, they were also informed that there was a waiting list for the surgery. Yonas's mother continued to worry whenever he fell ill, fearing it might be related to his condition. After waiting five months, she finally received a call from the referral hospital informing her that Yonas had been referred to our medical partner's hospital, BKMCM Hospital. Fortunately, Yonas will undergo corrective surgery on January 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Yonas's mom said, "I wish my child could be as healthy as other children and safely complete his surgery. I long for the day when we can put this ordeal behind us."

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Nee is a 29-year-old woman who lives with her husband and two sons in a refugee camp in Mae Sot Province, Thailand. The family is from Burma, but had to move to the refugee camp in 2023 after a military airstrike on their village. Nee is a homemaker and her husband is an agricultural day laborer. During her free time, she enjoys listening to stories and songs on her phone, and playing with her children. Nee is currently expecting her third child and is nearing her due date. She has been receiving free basic healthcare in the refugee camp, and recently, the doctors informed her that her baby is in a frank beech position. They recommend that Nee deliver via caesarean section to ensure the safety of both her and her child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Nee undergo a C-Section on December 8th at our medical partner's care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Nee needs your support. Nee shared, “When I learned I needed surgery, I started to worry about money. My family cannot afford the surgery cost, even our daily expenses is not enough. I do not have any relative that I can rely on, so I feel stressed. Now, knowing that I can receive support, I am happy. Thank you so much for helping me.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Aung is a 42-year-old man from Burma. He lives by himself in a refugee camp in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. He is unemployed, and the community provides him with free accommodation, food, and basic healthcare, as he has no relatives to look after him. Sometimes he weeds by hand in someone’s yard for some money. Aung underwent a colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but colostomies are usually temporary and may call for reversal. In Aung's case, his colostomy requires reversal to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of a reverse colostomy for Aung. The surgery is scheduled to take place on November 11th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Aung said, “When the doctor talked about the treatment cost, I felt sad, and I decided not to undergo the treatment since I have nothing, and I cannot afford it. But when I know that BCMF and donors are going to support my treatment, I feel happy. When I recover, I am going to find a job and earn money to support myself.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded