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Nick Alesandro

Nick's Story

Nick joined Watsi on September 19th, 2016. 31 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Nick's most recent donation supported Vun, a construction worker from Cambodia, to fund spine surgery.

Impact

Nick has funded healthcare for 125 patients in 14 countries.

Patients funded by Nick

Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

$1,113raised
$287to go

Nidhi is a 16-year-old girl from India. She lives in Mirzamurad, a village near Varanasi in northern India. She lives with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Her father works as a halwai, preparing traditional Indian sweets to support the family. Nidhi is currently in the 9th grade and loves dancing. When she was just 2½ years old, Nidhi accidentally fell into a container of hot sugar syrup being used to make gulab jamuns, a sweet dessert. She sustained severe burns to her right chest and arm. Although she received wound care at the time, her family was unable to access reconstructive surgery. As Nidhi grew, the burn scars tightened and developed into contractures, affecting her right breast and elbow. These scars have restricted movement and altered her appearance during adolescence, a time when many young people become increasingly aware of their bodies and self-image. Nidhi's family learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and sought treatment. On June 19th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight burn scars on Nidhi’s right chest and elbow, improving both movement and comfort. The procedure is expected to increase the range of motion in her arm, making everyday activities such as dressing, writing, carrying schoolbooks, and participating in household tasks easier. The surgery will also address the contracture affecting her right breast, allowing for more normal development and reducing the physical discomfort and asymmetry caused by the scar tissue. By reducing the limitations caused by her burn scars, the surgery will allow Nidhi to participate more freely in school, social activities, and her favourite hobby, dancing. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Nidhi shared, "I hope this treatment will make everyday activities easier for me."

$1,442raised
Fully funded

Dampi is a 19-year-old girl pursuing her Bachelor's in Political Science from India. Dampi comes from a humble farming family in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Her father works as a farmer and her mother is a homemaker. She is the third of four siblings. One of her brothers has started working independently, while the other two are still studying. Dampi has been living with epilepsy since the age of 10 and has been on medication for the condition ever since. In 2023, after returning home from school, she experienced an epileptic episode while cooking. During the fall, a hot utensil overturned onto her, causing severe burn injuries to her right hand and wrist. Dampi was first taken to another hospital for treatment, but her condition did not improve. Her parents later brought her to G.S Memorial Hospital. Although Dampi tries to remain independent and says she can manage her daily activities, her burn injuries continue to cause physical discomfort and restrictions in her day-to-day life. The condition has affected her mobility and comfort, making treatment and surgery important for improving her quality of life. When Dampi learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, she traveled four hours seeking treatment. On May 21st, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help release the tight scar tissue caused by her burn injuries. This will improve her mobility, comfort, and ability to carry out daily activities more easily. The treatment is also expected to reduce pain and discomfort so Dampi can regain greater confidence and independence in her everyday life. Now, G.S. Memorial is requesting $1,442 to fund her procedure. "I am happy that I am finally getting this surgery," shares Dampi.

$1,442raised
Fully funded