Andrea is a sweet five-year-old girl from the Philippines who will be starting kindergarten this coming school year. Some of her favorite activities include watching educational videos and playing with dolls. To support their family, her mother is a homemaker, and her father works at a factory.
Andrea was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital condition that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage, which requires Andrea to wear a colostomy bag. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to rectify her bowel dysfunction.
Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Andrea access treatment. She is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on July 30th at WSFP’s care center. While a portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, WSFP is working to raise $434 to cover the remaining cost of Andrea’s procedure and care. After her recovery, she will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future.
Andrea’s mother shares, “She sometimes asks me why she uses the colostomy bag. She feels isolated because she is the only one to wear the bag among her other playmates. This surgery is a really big help to change my daughter’s life. Thank you so much Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines for all your help.”