Thomas Bukowski
Thomas' Story

Thomas joined Watsi on August 23rd, 2013. 14 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Thomas' most recent donation traveled 1,500 miles to support Elder, a 29-year-old man from Guatemala, to fund prescription eyeglasses.

Impact

Thomas has funded healthcare for 37 patients in 7 countries.

Patients funded by Thomas

Meet Khu Soe, a one-year-old boy from Burma! Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects, shares, “Khu Soe lives with his parents in a village in rural Burma. His father is a subsistence farmer and does not receive an income. His mother stays at home and looks after Khu Soe and the house, and is currently pregnant with [their] second child.” Khu Soe’s doctors tell us, “Khu Soe suffers from a cystic hygroma, which is a fluid filled growth located underneath his armpit. The hygroma causes him bouts of fever, pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing." His parents’ determination to treat their son’s medical condition knows no bounds; our partner explains, “they have taken him to numerous clinics and hospitals over the last nine months trying to get him treatment, to only be turned away due to a lack of resources and specialized staff to treat his condition. His parents are noticeably worried and say it’s difficult to watch their son suffer while the mass continues to grow.” Burma Border Projects is confident they can help Khu Soe. His doctors explain, “With treatment, the mass will be removed and Khu Soe will no longer experience bouts of pain and fever. He will have more energy to play and experience life like a normal baby.” The team says the “treatment will allow Khu Soe's parents to focus their attention on the needs of their newborn baby.” For $1,500 we can fund treatment to remove Khu Soe’s burdensome growth and ensure that he will be a healthy big brother! Khu Soe’s parents are excited their son will soon be healthy. They say, “Despite the many challenges we have overcome in order to get Khu Soe treatment, we remain very positive and hopeful.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded

"Jennifer is another twin! We've recently had a run of twins in our malnutrition program," our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, writes. "This may seem like an accident, but it also really highlights the kinds of factors that lead to malnutrition. All children and families where we work in Guatemala are vulnerable to malnutrition and illness, and usually it just takes one small thing to push a child over the edge. In this case, the 'one small thing' is the family, with limited food resources, having to provide for two babies simultaneously." "The results, as in the case of Jennifer," her doctor continues, "are low weight and height, developmental delay (not sitting, standing, walking, talking on time), chronic low energy, and frequent illnesses (intestinal infections, colds, coughs, pneumonias)." "Jennifer is a 'very serious child' by her mom's admission - and also based on the photos you will see! However, she is very pleasant and does enjoy playing with her brothers and sisters. However, recently, as the child has gotten more ill, mom notices less energy for play. The family is very cash-strapped and food insecure, and they are struggling to make ends meet." For $535, Jennifer will receive a rehabilitative nutritional program to provide her with the nutrients and hydration she needs to return to full health and hit her developmental milestones. With this treatment, not only will Jennifer gain weight and grow, she will have improved speech and social interaction, and once again have the energy to play with her siblings!

$535raised
Fully funded