Zach's Story

Zach joined Watsi on April 7th, 2016. Seven years ago, Zach joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Zach's most recent donation supported Ernesto, a 67-year-old widower from Philippines, to fund corrective surgery.

Impact

Zach has funded healthcare for 86 patients in 11 countries.

Patients funded by Zach

Jecinta is a delightful 4-year-old girl from Kenya. She is playful and jovial. Born with a birth condition her journey began at Kiambu Hospital, where dedicated healthcare professionals initiated a treatment plan to address the condition. She was prescribed braces as part of her comprehensive care to correct her clubfeet. With the support of her mother, she embarked on a hopeful journey towards improved mobility and a future filled with possibilities. The braces played a role in maintaining the corrections achieved through casting and other interventions. However, along the way, and because of the hardships, Jecinta, like many children, faced challenges in using the braces. Unfortunately, she lost to follow-up at Kiambu Hospital, and the regular monitoring and follow-up appointments ended. Over more than a year with no follow-up, Jecintas deformity recurred. Currently she tiptoes as she walks and feels pain. Fortunately, Jecinta and her mother traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Jecinta's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she be able to walk well, with no pain and discomfort. Her self-esteem will also improve, and she will continue with her education without any hardship. “I will appreciate if consider my daughter to undergo surgery so that she can stand on her feet and walk confidently like other children,” Glory, Jecinta’s mother, told us.

$1,286raised
Fully funded

Mu Yeh, a 23-year-old woman, resides in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, along with her parents, brother, sister-in-law, and sister. Her parents run a snack-selling business from their home, while her brother and sister-in-law are currently unemployed. Mu Yeh's sister attends school within the camp, and she herself is a homemaker. In her leisure time, Mu Yeh finds joy in weaving traditional Karen ethnic clothes and visiting her relatives in the refugee camp. Each month, they receive 1,303 baht (approximately 43 USD) on a cash card from an organization called The Border Consortium. Additionally, they raise pigs which they sell when in need of extra cash. Despite their modest monthly income, it barely covers their daily expenses. Fortunately, they receive essential healthcare from Malteser International (MI) Thailand, which is provided free of charge in the refugee camp. In October 2022, Mu Yeh noticed a mass in her left breast. Initially, she dismissed it as normal, but by May 2023, the mass had grown and began causing her pain. Currently, Mu Yeh experiences considerable pain and discomfort in her left breast due to the large mass. The pain radiates towards the left side of her torso, making it difficult for her to carry anything heavy with her left hand. Seeking medical attention, she visited the hospital in the refugee camp, where the doctor referred her to Mae Sariang Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. On July 4th, with the assistance of MI staff, Mu Yeh underwent an ultrasound of both breasts. The results revealed cysts in her right breast and confirmed the presence of a mass in her left breast. Subsequently, she underwent a biopsy. During her follow-up appointment on July 18th, the doctor diagnosed her with fibroadenoma in her left breast and fibrocystic changes in her right breast. The doctor recommended removing the benign mass from her left breast under general anesthesia. Her surgery was scheduled for August 2nd. However, unable to afford the procedure, MI staff referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) for financial assistance to access treatment. BCMF is now requesting $1500 to help fund the procedure Mu Yeh needs. Mu Yeh said, “In the future, I would like to become a medic. When there is training in the refugee camp, I will register because I would like to study medicine.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Zeze is a 7-year-old boy from Mpanda district who comes from a large family, as his father is a polygamist with three wives - as is common in their community - and a total of 21 children. Among his mother’s children, Zeze is the twelfth and last born. His father works as a farmer, relying on crop cultivation to provide food for the family. His wives and older children also seek additional employment on neighboring farms to supplement their income through daily labor in cultivation and harvesting. Zeze began displaying signs of bowed legs shortly after he started walking. Due to their financial situation, Zeze’s parents never attempted to take him to the hospital, fearing the expenses associated with treatment. However, in July 2022, they attended a clinic in their village and became highly motivated to seek treatment for Zeze. Zeze was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, meaning that his legs bow outwards. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he is unable to engage in playtime with his peers, participating in the games he loves so much, as it causes him pain to do so. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Zeze scheduled on June 30th. Treatment will hopefully restore Zeze's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Zeze’s father says, "I wish for him to be fine and his legs to be normal like his brother because most of the time he wishes to escort us to the farms, but it is hard for him."

$880raised
Fully funded