United States
Bruce's Story

Bruce joined Watsi on July 25th, 2014. Twelve years ago, Bruce joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Bruce's most recent donation traveled 8,300 miles to support Gay, a 23-year-old woman from Burma, to fund a C-section to safely deliver her baby.

Impact

Bruce has funded healthcare for 148 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Bruce

Kenawaka is a playful and cheerful 15-month-old boy from Ethiopia, who enjoys spending time with his older sister. He lives with his parents and sister in a rented home. His father works as an accountant to support the family, while his mother is a homemaker. Kenawaka's mother first noticed that something was different when she took Kenawaka to the hospital for circumcision. After examining him, the doctor told them that he would need specialized assessment and treatment, and referred them to a public referral hospital in the capital city. Following the referral, Kenawaka's parents waited another year due to a long surgical wait list. Though they were increasingly anxious, they could not afford care in a private facility so they continued hoping that they would be attended to soon. Recently, the referral hospital informed Kenawaka's parents to bring him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Kenawaka was diagnosed 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, Kenawaka is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Kenawaka's father said, “Thank you so much to everyone at BethanyKids. We are truly grateful to all the staff for their kindness and care. Everyone has treated us with so much respect and made us feel comfortable throughout this journey. We are very happy and thankful for the support Kenawaka has received. We love our son so much, and our greatest wish is to see him healthy and happy after his surgery.”

$1,128raised
$164to go

Sudeyes is a 20-month-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys spending time with other children, especially playing football. He lives with his mother in the same home as his grandparents, who provide him with additional love and support. As a single mother, Sudeyes’s mother works as a teacher and is committed to providing the best possible care for her son. With the support of her parents, she raises her son in a loving home. Immediately after Sudeyes' birth, healthcare providers informed his mother that he was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, experience uncomfortable symptoms and would be at risk of future complications. The news was overwhelming to his mother, and she feared what it would mean for her son’s future. Before leaving the hospital, she was referred to a specialized facility for further evaluation. When Sudeyes was just two weeks old, his mother took him to the referral hospital, where he was placed on the surgical waiting list. Nearly a year later, he underwent the first stage of his reconstructive surgery. The procedure was successful, but he required a second operation to complete his treatment, and he was placed on a lengthy waiting list. Since the waiting list was lengthy, Sudeyes's mother took him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). During their visit, the medical team warmly welcomed them, carefully explained his condition, reviewed his previous treatment, and outlined the remaining surgical plan. Their compassionate communication and professional care reassured her, and she felt confident that her son was in capable hands. Fortunately, Sudeyes is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on August 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Sudeyes' mother shared, "I also encourage continued collaboration with government hospitals, where many children and families are waiting and suffering because they cannot access timely surgical care. This partnership gives hope to families like ours and changes children's lives."

$1,293raised
Fully funded

Emily is five-year-old student who lives with her family in Medellin, Colombia. Her joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where she interacts with her classmates with enthusiasm and tenderness. Her energy is contagious, and her sweetness leaves a special impression on those around her. When she grows up, she dreams of becoming a firefighter or a veterinarian. Emily was born with an inguinal hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the groin. This condition causes discomfort and tenderness, especially when coughing or exercising. Because she has to be cautious with her movements, Emily has begun to feel insecure, particularly during physical education classes and when playing at the park. Without surgery, Emily will continue to experience symptoms, will have difficulty fully enjoying her childhood, and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, on April 27th, Emily will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Emily's mother shared, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people that will support her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally. This gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God bless you abundantly, may He multiply your generosity with blessings in your life, and may He continue to guide every endeavor you undertake. Your support not only covers a medical need but also fills our hearts with hope and peace. Thank you for giving us hope that Emily can once again live out her childhood with freedom and confidence."

$1,005raised
Fully funded

Brian is a 22-year old sociable and ambitious young man from Kenya, who carries dreams bigger than his circumstances. He is the second of four children in his family, and currently enrolled in a course on Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in college. January was supposed to mark the beginning of his final academic journey, the last stretch toward the life he envisioned. However, on December 27th, 2025, everything changed. He was on his way home when the motorcycle he was on collided with a speeding vehicle. He jumped off the motorcycle, but the vehicle ran over his leg. He was rushed to AIC Kapsowar Hospital for emergency care, and underwent irrigation and debridement the same day, followed by a repeat procedure two days later. Once the wound was confirmed clean, he underwent fracture repair surgery, and was discharged two days later in stable condition. At his one-week follow-up clinic, the wound was healing well with no signs of infection. He was instructed to return the following week for suture removal and review. Unfortunately, because of the distance to the hospital, Brian sought care at a facility closer to home. His sutures were removed, and a plaster was applied, a measure that had not been advised by AIC Kapsowar Hospital. His wound was thereafter not closely monitored, and over time it broke down. Brian returned to AIC Kapsowar Hospital hospital on January 30th and was diagnosed with an infected implant and developing osteomyelitis. He underwent an urgent surgical washout, removal of the infected implant, and insertion of an antibiotic nail. He was admitted for intravenous antibiotics and intensive wound care. With time and treatment, signs of healing began to show. He was then taken back to the theatre for further wound cleaning, flap coverage, and skin grafting to promote closure. Although progress has been made, he still has a residual wound opening. After consultation between the orthopedic and plastic surgery teams, another perforator flap and skin graft procedure has been recommended. Brian’s mother has done everything she can to support her son. The family's social health insurance cover has reached the maximum limit. Brian's mother runs a small grocery shop, while his father is a driver. Their combined income is not consistent and cannot cover the cost of the upcoming surgery and continued treatment. Brian’s dream of completing his course and building a better future now relies on timely medical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Brian receive treatment. On February 24th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to achieve full closure and prevent further complications. Now, Brian's family needs help to fund this $1,239 procedure. Brian says, "I was hoping to complete my studies this year if I had reported in January. It looks like I will be delayed because I am not feeling well now. Please help me, so that I can go back to school and complete my final year."

$1,239raised
Fully funded

Esther is a 16-year-old girl from Uganda. She was born healthy, and met all of her early developmental milestones, until it was time for her to begin speaking. At first, her parents believed her speech was simply delayed. However, as the months passed, it became clear that Esther was unable to develop speech like other children. By the age of three, although she appeared aware of the people around her, it was evident that she could not perceive sound. Esther's parents longed to hear her speak, and sought help from several hospitals. Unfortunately, financial constraints made it impossible for them to afford the care she needed. As a result, Esther was enrolled in a special school, where she learned sign language, and adapted remarkably well. She is now preparing to enter Grade 9 when school resumes. Esther’s sister shares that she loves writing, and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Recently, Esther was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where medical evaluations confirmed significant hearing loss. Doctors recommended hearing aids that would enable her to hear, to communicate more easily, and which would significantly improve her quality of life. However, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond the family’s means. Esther’s parents rely on small-scale farming for survival in Uganda, where the family lives, while her elder sister is the primary breadwinner, selling clothes to support the household. With hearing aids, Esther would have a real opportunity to experience a fuller, more independent life, and to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to raise $1,171 so Esther can be fitted with hearing aids on December 19th. Esther’s sister said: “She loves writing and helping other children, both at school and at home. I know that being able to hear would make a big difference in her life.”

$1,171raised
Fully funded

Beka is a shy two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives with his parents and older sister in a single room provided by their relatives. Beka is very attached to his mother, and he finds joy in playing with bicycles and toy cars, as well as spending time with his sister. His mother cares for their home, while his father works as a daily laborer in construction. After years of anticipation, Beka’s parents were overjoyed to finally welcome their baby boy, who brought immense happiness to their family. Shortly after birth, Beka was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. His parents were initially worried and anxious when they received the news, but the doctor explained that treatment options would be available when he got a bit older. At three months old, his parents diligently followed up at a referral hospital. However, due to a long waiting list, they faced delays, with appointments scheduled every three to six months, leaving them anxious about when surgery treatment would happen. Eventually, they were referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). At the hospital, Beka was reviewed and the doctor explained that he would need three surgical procedures. Without treatment, Beka would continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and would be at risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Beka receive treatment. On November 18th, he will undergo corrective surgery at BKMCM. Now, Beka's family need help to raise $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Beka's mother said: "Our wish is for good health for our son, and we hope that God will support him during the surgical process."

$1,293raised
Fully funded