Benson Lee

United States
Benson's Story

Benson joined Watsi on September 13th, 2013. 17 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Benson's most recent donation traveled 2,600 miles to support Luis Angel, an eight-year old boy from Colombia, to fund hernia surgery.

Impact

Benson has funded healthcare for 151 patients in 14 countries.

Patients funded by Benson

Luis Angel is student from Colombia. He is a very outgoing, cheerful, intelligent, and quick-witted boy who loves to explore the world around him. He is an excellent student and excels especially in math. He really enjoys playing and interacting with other children. He also loves to dance, sing and has a deep love for animals. He is an affectionate boy who constantly shows his care for others. Eight years ago, Luis Angel was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when the child cries, coughs, or strains. They can also cause visible swelling, making the belly button protrude, which sometimes leads to discomfort. At this stage, Luis Angel experiences abdominal pain, which sometimes makes it difficult for him to engage in activities, such as playing or participating in sports. Although it generally does not cause severe pain, it does cause discomfort that makes it difficult for him to perform daily activities, such as playing, jumping, and fully enjoying his childhood. Additionally, if not treated properly, there is a risk of complications. Fortunately, on June 24th, he will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luis Angel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Luis Angel's parent shared, "To anyone who wishes to support my son financially, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for thinking of a child’s well-being and future. Your help contributes to making my son’s dreams come true and gives him the opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. After the surgery, we hope he will be able to develop fully, without limitations, discomfort, or pain that prevent him from carrying out his daily and athletic activities. With this, he will be able to demonstrate his full potential and begin to chart his path toward fulfilling his dreams."

$493raised
$512to go

Devan is a five-year-old boy whose family hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya. Devan lives with his aunt, who has been his primary caregiver since he was two years old. His aunt shared that Devan is the second-born child of her brother, and during Devan's early childhood, he and his sibling experienced significant neglect. Their parents were constantly in conflict and eventually separated, during which time the children were reportedly left without adequate food and care. This is when Devan's aunt chose to adopt and take responsibility for the two children. Devan's aunt is a single mother who separated from her husband about ten years ago. She has three biological children of her own and is now raising a total of five children. After leaving her marital home, she relocated to her maternal village, where she lives in a small rented house. To support her household, she earns a small income by washing clothes for neighbors. Despite her efforts, she reports that life has been extremely difficult, and meeting basic needs remains a daily struggle. Devan is currently enrolled in PP2 at a local school. While at school one day, he slipped and fell, sustaining an injury to his hand. He was initially taken to a nearby health facility; however, due to limited equipment and capacity, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital. Upon arrival, Devan’s hand was swollen, painful, and he was unable to use the affected limb. An X-ray done showing a fracture of the upper arm bone. An orthopedic surgeon has recommended an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure for proper management of the fracture. Devan's aunt, however, has no financial capacity to meet the cost of the required surgical procedure and associated hospital bills. She is therefore requesting financial support to enable Devan to receive the necessary treatment. Presently, it is difficult for him to use his hand, and he is in pain Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 19th, Devan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The procedure will alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $861 to fund this procedure. Devan's aunt says, "My nephew just had a fall, I didn't know it would come to a point when he would need surgery. Please help him so that when he fully recovers, he can go back to school."

$861raised
Fully funded

Thu Zar is an 18-year-old young woman from Burma. She lives with her parents, one older brother, and one older sister in a village in Karen State. Thu Zar’s parents work as farmers, and both her brother and sister help with the family farm work . Thu Zar also helps the family with farm work. The family mainly relies on growing crops and selling some of the surplus. One of her sisters, who lives in Bangkok and works as a waitress, sends 3,000 THB per month to support the family. Their combined family income is sufficient for their daily expenses but cannot afford expensive treatment costs like surgery. In early of August 2020, Thu Zar noticed a swelling on the left side of her neck. At that time the swelling was small so that she didn't take it seriously. Over time, the mass gradually increased in size and she decided to seek treatment at the local hospital. When it did not help, she finally traveled to Thailand in June 2025 to seek care. She underwent some investigations at our medical partner's care hospital, Mae Sot Hospital, and the doctor recommended surgery to remove the mass. Currently, Thu Zar continues to experience mild pain and redness on the left side of her neck. The swelling keeps slowly growing which gets her worried about her future. She cannot sleep at night and is eating less because of the pain. Fortunately, Thu Zar sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on October 15th. Our medical partner is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. When Thu Zar learnt that there would be donors that would support her treatment costs, she was overjoyed. Expressing her deepest gratitude, she said: “Thank you so much to the organization BCMF and all the donors who are willing to help me with the treatment cost. Without your assistance, it would be impossible to undergo surgery. I hope to return home to help my family with farm work after surgery. Let me say that again, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for helping me with treatment costs.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded