C
Collin WalkerUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

United States
Collin's Story

Collin joined Watsi on August 1st, 2015. Eleven years ago, Collin joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Collin's most recent donation traveled 8,200 miles to support Garoma, a farmer from Ethiopia, to fund prostate surgery.

Impact

Collin has funded healthcare for 131 patients in 15 countries.

Patients funded by Collin

Garoma is a farmer from Ethiopia. This 70-year-old farmer has worked the land all his life alongside his wife, who farms with him. Together they raised eight children, four sons and four daughters. He lives in a rural area with two of his children and his grandchildren, and he still farms to feed the family and pay his grandchildren's school fees. For more than thirteen years he has lived with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Three years ago his symptoms became much worse. He went to the nearest health centre, but there was no surgeon there who could operate, so he was sent home to cope as best he could. His condition has now grown serious. He travelled to the city, where his eldest daughter lives, to find proper care. Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis and told him he needs surgery, but his family cannot afford it. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund the procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 29th and, once completed, will improve Garoma's quality of life. Garoma shared, "I just want to live without this pain and discomfort, and without the shame I carry every day."

$5raised
$895to go

Amriya is a seven-year-old girl from Ethiopia. Being the youngest of five children, this young student grew up in a lively home, surrounded by her three older brothers and her sister. With her mother managing the household and her father working as a driver, she was raised in a busy, loving environment. Since she was just one year old, Amriya has suffered from chronic tonsillitis. This persistent health struggle has become a major roadblock to her early education. Because the illness brings frequent, painful episodes, she often misses precious days in the classroom. When she is in school, the lingering discomfort makes it incredibly hard for her to concentrate on her lessons. Just as she should be building her academic foundation, she is forced to fight this constant, exhausting battle with her health. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Amriya, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Amriya of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Amriya's parents shared, "Our greatest hope is for our youngest daughter to finally enjoy a healthy, normal childhood where she can focus on learning without the constant shadow of illness holding her back."

$160raised
$540to go

Samuel is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Medellín with his family. He is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His infectious energy and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who meets him. He enjoys spending time with those around him, learning new things, and dreaming big. When Samuel grows up, he’d like to become a professional soccer player or an industrial engineer specializing in vehicles, reflecting his passion for both sports and innovation and technology. When he was two years old, Samuel developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Samuel's parents took him to hospital where doctors recommended hernia repair surgery to treat his condition and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 27th, Samuel will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Samuel's procedure, which, once completed, will allow him to live a healthier life. Samuel says, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My parents have been trying for a long time to get this surgery through our health insurance provider, but it hasn’t been possible. Thanks to you, today there is hope and an opportunity to improve my health and quality of life. We will never forget this generous gesture. Thank you for your big hearts, for sharing with those of us who need it most, and for giving us back our hope for a better tomorrow."

$496raised
$509to go

Akshay is 18 years old and lives in Palamu, Jharkhand, India. He lives with his parents and elder sister. His father is a farmer. He studied until the 8th grade. When Akshay was six months old, he fell into a traditional cooking stove and burned his right hand. The burn caused a contracture, where the skin healed tightly, and over time, his hand became restricted in movement. He has lived with this since he was a baby. The contracture on his right hand makes daily tasks difficult. At 18, with a father who farms and a family that depends on physical work, this has been a real limitation in his day-to-day life. When Akshay learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, he and his mother traveled 6.5 hours to receive treatment to release the post-burn contracture of his right hand. On July 1st, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery so he can regain function and mobility in his hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Akshay shared, "I want my hand to work properly so that I can help my family."

$981raised
$461to 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

Abebech is a 39-year-old nun from Ethiopia. She has devoted her life to serving others and works tirelessly for her church community by preparing meals, washing clothes, and handling every duty given to her. Abebech is currently suffering from a painful internal growth (myoma) that requires urgent medical care. Because she lives as a nun, she does not have family to lean on during this painful health trial and relies on the hospital and her community of nuns to get the care she needs to heal and continue her spiritual work. For four years, Abebech has been experiencing worrisome symptoms that make it difficult to live her daily life. She has been diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. Abebech needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Even though she believes that both joy and hardship are natural parts of life's journey, this illness has been truly overwhelming. Dealing with months of heavy bleeding, severe pain, and constant hospital visits—all without an income—leaves her feeling sad and frustrated at times. Fortunately, Abebech is scheduled to undergo a myomectomy on July 30th at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $1,050 to fund her surgery. Abebech shared that she hopes this surgery will allow her to be free from pain so she can return to the peaceful, quiet routine of her daily life.

$1,050raised
Fully funded

Yared is a bright and curious seven-year-old boy who lives with his grandparents in Ethiopia. He loves playing with toy cars and spending time with his younger brother. Yared's mother, a single parent, works as a domestic worker in the city to provide for her family. Yared was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. A few years ago, Yared was taken to a referral hospital in Mekele, where his grandparents live, for corrective surgery, but the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war caused major delays, preventing him from receiving timely care. Later on, the cost of surgery became another barrier for Yared's family. One of Yared's family members who works at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), advised the family to come to the hospital for a review. Yared was reviewed, and his family has been advised that he will need to undergo corrective surgery to treat his condition. Without this intervention, he may continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and could be at risk of future complications. Yared is scheduled to undergo surgery on May 4th at BKMCM. His procedure will cost $1,293, and his family needs your support. Yared’s mother shares, “I’m deeply grateful to the donors and the doctors for their help. My only wish is that my child will grow up healthy and happy just like other children.”

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Hemedi is a 10-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents and one sibling in a hardworking, farming family. Both of his parents cultivate crops to provide for the household and support their children’s education. Hemedi is currently in Standard Four and enjoys attending school. Hemedi was diagnosed with a wind-swept deformity, right varus and left valgus, otherwise known as knock knees. This condition causes his right leg to bend outward and his left leg to bend inward. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Walking long distances has become increasingly difficult due to the bowing of both legs. The condition affects Hemedi's balance and limits his participation in school activities and play. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Hemedi. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 13th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Hemedi's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Hemedi says, "I want my legs to be strong so I can go to school and play with my friends without pain."

$777raised
Fully funded

Markon is a spirited young boy, full of life and energy from Ethiopia. He enjoys playing with his father, engaging with his surroundings, and sharing joyful moments with his brother and family. Living in a modest iron-sheet house, Markon’s family consists of his hardworking father, a daily laborer in home finishing, and his caring mother, a devoted housewife. Together, they navigate the challenges of life with their four children, three sons and a daughter. However, their lives took a difficult turn when Markon’s mother fell gravely ill, forcing the family to sacrifice their home to fund her treatment. Their financial situation became increasingly precarious, and the burden weighed heavily on his father, especially after Markon’s mother lost her eyesight due to her illness. Despite these hardships, Markon’s father persevered, striving to provide for his family’s needs as best he could. Over a year ago, Markon started to complain about discomfort around a sensitive area in his body. Concerned, his parents took him to a local health center, where he was referred to a specialized hospital. Markon was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. He needs surgery to reduce his risks of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Markon will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on February 20th and AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Markon’s father expressed, "I hope for my child to receive the best possible care and lead a joyful life. I am deeply grateful to the staff at BKMCM and to all the generous donors who support children like my son. Helping these children is truly a blessing, and I believe that through this support, they will be empowered to flourish and thrive."

$754raised
Fully funded

Surafel is 20 months old and a cheerful little boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing with his brother and watching animated shows. His father works as a security guard, while his mother is a homemaker who occasionally takes on domestic work to earn extra income. After Surafel was born, he experienced several health problems, which placed a significant financial burden on the family. His mother had to borrow money from neighbors to cover medical expenses and is still working to repay it. One year ago, Surafel was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Surafel has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Surafel will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 15. AMHF is requesting $1,073 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Surafel's mother said, "I pray that my child comes through the surgery safely. I am incredibly grateful for all the support you've given me. With God's grace, I will take home a healthy child, and may God bless you all."

$1,073raised
Fully funded

Faith is a 15-year-old 5th grader from Kitui County in Kenya, the firstborn in a family of two children. Her mother, who is a single parent, works as a hawker, selling shoes to support the family. Despite challenges, Faith and her mother have always remained hopeful. Faith loves plaiting and braiding hair, and she dreams of one day being able to stand and walk like other children. Faith was born with diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and clubfoot (CTEV), conditions that have limited her mobility since childhood. She cannot stand on her own and uses a wheelchair to move around. Faith was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital by her grandmother. At the moment, she is undergoing serial casting in preparation for club foot surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Faith receive treatment. On December 9th, she is scheduled to undergo repair surgery, providing her the opportunity to stand, walk on her own and gain independence. Now, Faith's family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure. Faith's grandmother says: “My prayer is to see Faith stand and walk like other children, and to continue with her education without any challenges."

$1,286raised
Fully funded

Divyana is a cheerful eight-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and spending time with his friends and younger brother. He lives in Sekota, and they travelled approximately 870 kilometers to seek treatment, a journey that took three days. His mother is a dedicated housewife, while his father works as an agricultural officer in a government institution. Together, his parents work hard to support their family and meet their children’s needs. Divyana's mother discovered his condition at birth and was immediately overwhelmed with frustration and panic. Questions raced through her mind, she says, “What is wrong with him? Is it my fault? How can I help my child?” Fear and stress consumed her, but her instinct to protect him never wavered. She began seeking information about his condition, choosing not to share too much with him to safeguard his emotional well-being. To prevent potential teasing or stigma, she instructed him to isolate himself whenever he went to the bathroom, warning him that other children might ridicule him if they saw him. She repeated this often, worried about how his condition might affect his social life and learning, especially since hypospadias is uncommon in their community. Divyana frequently compared himself to his younger brother and asked his mother why he was different. These moments left her feeling helpless, with no answers, only tears. One day, while visiting a relative in Addis Ababa who was undergoing orthopedic treatment, Divyana ’s mother heard about several successful cases being treated at the facility. Curious and hopeful, she began asking questions, but without revealing her son’s condition. Eventually, she received the contact information for the field patient coordinator at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. Doctors confirmed that Divyana 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, Divyana is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Divyana's mother said, "I wish my child were very healthy, and I am thrilled to get this opportunity."

$1,293raised
Fully funded