Gina's Story

Gina joined Watsi on September 19th, 2016. Seven years ago, Gina joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Gina's most recent donation supported John, an aspiring doctor from Kenya, to fund surgery for clubfoot.

Impact

Gina has funded healthcare for 139 patients in 16 countries.

Patients funded by Gina

John is an 11-year-old quiet boy from Meru County in Kenya. John's story is a journey of compassion and the unwavering support of a dedicated well-wisher. His origin is drawn back to Tanzania, where he was disowned by his birth parents due to a congenital disorder on his feet. His present guardian adopted him, offering not just a home but a sense of belonging. John has clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. Both his feet are affected. The condition causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. John was diagnosed during a mobile clinic held by our medical partner's care center AIC Cure International Hospital. He underwent a successful surgery on his left foot, which is now healed. He is currently in the hospital to undergo reconstruction of his right foot. He has in the meantime been undergoing serial casting to adjust the position of his foot to achieve the desired correction. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare, is helping John receive treatment. On March 21st, surgeons at AIC Cure International Hospital will perform clubfoot repair surgery to improve his mobility. John aspires to go back to school and study hard so that he can be a doctor someday. Now, John's family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure. John shared, “I am looking forward to seeing my foot corrected, to walking properly, playing football with my friends, continue with my studies like other children and achieving my dream of becoming a doctor in future so that I can impact the lives of children born with clubfoot and other physical conditions."

$650raised
$636to go

Daw Kyi is a 66-year-old woman who lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in Ayarwaddy Division, Burma. Daw Kyi is retired, and her daughter is a homemaker. Her granddaughter is a student, and her son-in-law works as a taxi driver, but his income is insufficient to cover their family's basic needs or basic health care. Last year, she became aware of blurred vision in her right eye. However, she dismissed it as normal. By last December, her condition worsened, resulting in impaired vision and excessive tearing in her right eye. She confided in her daughter, who promptly took her to the nearest hospital. There, she underwent an eye examination and was diagnosed with a cataract in her right eye. Surprisingly, the doctor did not recommend surgery but instead prescribed eye drops and oral medication for one month. Unfortunately, her symptoms did not improve, and due to financial constraints, she could not return to the hospital for further treatment and did not seek medical care after that. On May 27th, 2023, she became increasingly aware that her condition was deteriorating. Her vision was becoming significantly more blurred, to the point where she could only perceive things faintly. Despite being aware of her worsening condition and the likelihood of requiring surgery, she faced the unfortunate reality that she could not afford the cost of the necessary medical treatment. As a result, she decided to avoid going to the hospital. Currently, Daw Kyi has tearing and blurred vision in her right eye. She will need someone to guide her while walking long distances and on the way to the bathroom. She feels sad and depressed since she can not see clearly and can not pay for surgery even though she wants to get treatment. Thankfully, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is determined to help restore Daw Kyi's vision by performing a lens replacement surgery. To make this possible, they are reaching out for your support in funding the procedure, which amounts to $769. Your contribution would play a significant role in enabling Daw Kyi to regain her vision and improve her quality of life. Daw Kyi said, "In the future, after seeing again, I will go back and look after my granddaughter and stay with my daughter at home."

$769raised
Fully funded

Sospeter is a toddler from Kenya. He is the youngest in a family of three children. He is being raised by a single mother who is the breadwinner. His mother makes and sells readymade food at construction sites. Income from this venture is inconsistent and their family does not have medical coverage. In December 2022, Sospeter sustained hot water burns on his stomach and thigh. He was taken to the nearest district hospital after the accident, where he was treated for burns and later discharged back home. Burn contractures and a massive keloid have developed on his abdomen. He often itches the area and feels very uncomfortable. His mother has been unable to take him to a hospital due to a lack of funds. In September 2023, a mobile team visited their area; they reviewed him and advised them to visit Kijabe Hospital for review. His mother pooled resources and visited the plastic surgery clinic. Surgery was recommended, but the family is financially constrained and unable to afford the proposed cost of the treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sospeter receive treatment. On October 13th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to relieve him of the itchiness and discomfort associated with the wound; thus, he will be able to live a normal and quality life. Now, their family needs help to fund his procedure and care. Sospeter's mother says, “My child is in pain. Look at the way he cannot stop crying and scratching himself. It hurts to see him this uncomfortable. Please help.”

$1,500raised
Fully funded