Kathleen Denyer Hall
Kathleen's Story

Kathleen joined Watsi on December 20th, 2013. 36 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Kathleen's most recent donation traveled 1,500 miles to support Norman, a baby boy from Guatemala, to manage his epilepsy.

Impact

Kathleen has funded healthcare for 13 patients in 6 countries.

Patients funded by Kathleen

"I just want a healthy baby,” says the mother of Norman, a 22-month-old boy from Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), explains that Norman has epilepsy, a neurological disorder that induces seizures. While an estimated 65 million people in the world have epilepsy, the causes of the condition are largely unknown. Norman began experiencing convulsions when he was only three months old, and now they occur more frequently. WK continues, “Two weeks ago, Norman’s parents ran out of money to buy his anti-seizure medication. His convulsions occurred multiple times. They require a lot of energy and they leave him tired and dazed.” Without treatment, Norman will continue to have seizures—possibly with greater frequency. WK adds, “His brain may suffer damage from the seizures that could have a lasting effect, and as he gets older, it could prevent him from attending school.” Norman’s mother cares for him at home, and she is fearful of him having a seizure when she takes him with her to the market. His father works at a gas station, but he does not earn enough money to pay for Norman’s regular doctor visits and anti-seizure medication. “Norman’s family will struggle to afford his medication,” reports WK. “This will constantly be a burden for them and will also lead to him taking his medication inconsistently.” For $967, Norman will receive medication to control his seizures, lab work to identify other potential health issues, and regular doctor visits to monitor his health. “Norman’s mother will be able to tend to her normal daily tasks without fear that if she looks away her baby will start convulsing,” says WK. When he is feeling well, Norman enjoys playing with his toy cars out in his yard. With the proposed treatment, both Norman and his parents will benefit from a medical support system--diminishing the effects of his condition and giving him the opportunity to enjoy a healthy childhood.

$967raised
Fully funded

Meet Junior! He's almost two years old and lives with his family in Guatemala. Junior loves to play with his toy ball and car with his uncle Edgar. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq (WK), tells us that due to acute malnutrition, "Junior is far below the average weight and the average height for his age and he frequently suffers at times from diarrhea and fever." Junior is malnourished, and isn't receiving the nutrients and calories he needs to grow. WK adds that "his mother is feeding his a mostly liquid based diet and is unsure how to help him increase his weight." His favorite foods are bananas, carrots, and other veggies, but his malnutrition has even suppressed his appetite. His mother works hard to support her family, but is unsure how to effectively treat her son's condition. Without intervention, WK adds, "his immune system will continue to weaken, his height and weight will continue to fall away from the curve, his physical and mental development will be permanently stunted, and he will be at risk for the long term affects of malnutrition." For $535, Junior will receive treatment that includes growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication to treat his immediate and long term symptoms. This will all help increase his caloric intake, appetite, and ability to fight off infections. Junior's mother will also enroll in a nutritional education program to build her confidence and ability in caring for her son. This multi-faceted treatment is expected to allow Junior to return to full health, and grow up without long-term consequences of malnutrition.

$535raised
Fully funded

“Melani is a happy child,” shares our medical partner in Guatemala, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Whenever there is music playing she always smiles and starts to dance and sing along." Though she is very happy, 2-year-old Melani is currently dealing with the effects of acute malnutrition, and could suffer long-term consequences as a result. “She is far below the average weight for her age and has been having regular bouts of diarrhea,” explains WK. Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of malnutrition in the world, and it is very common in Melani's community. Because of this, Melani's parents thought she was growing normally. Melani’s family lives in an adobe house, where her five-year-old brother stays home to care for her while their parents work. Despite their efforts, they are unable to provide enough nutritious food for their children. Without intervention, Melani faces decreased physical and mental development, increased risk of chronic diseases, and lower economic performance in adulthood. $535 will allow Melani to receive the care she needs. “She will receive micronutrient and food supplementation, and her mother will participate in intensive nutrition education that will allow her to spend their money more wisely on high quality food options,” WK explains. These funds will also cover treatment for Melani's immediate symptoms like diarrhea. Over the long-term, Melani will recoup her lost weight and height, and build a strong immune system to help her lead a healthy life and keep dancing.

$535raised
Fully funded