ALEJANDRO is an aspiring veterinarian from Colombia who needs $1,005 to fund a hernia repair surgery.

Meet ALEJANDRO

ALEJANDRO's story

August 4, 2026

Alejandro is an 11-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is a smart, kind, and very friendly boy who enjoys spending time with the people around him. He dreams of becoming a veterinarian when he grows up, as he has a deep love for animals and wishes to help and protect them. His infectious energy, positive attitude, and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who has the chance to meet him.

A year ago, Alejandro developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Alejandro has been experiencing pain and discomfort especially when coughing or doing any strenuous activities. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications.

Fortunately, on August 14th, Alejandro will undergo repair surgery at Clínica Noel. Alejandro’s family is requesting support to raise $1,005 to fund Alejandro’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live healthier.

Alejandro’s mother says, “I am very grateful for your support to my son. It is a tremendous blessing for our family. May God bless you abundantly and multiply all the help and love you give to those who need it most.”

Alejandro is an 11-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is a smart, kind, and very friendly boy who enjoys spending time ...

August 4, 2026
PROFILE SUBMITTED
ALEJANDRO was submitted by Camila Barboza, Marketing Manager at Clínica Noel
August 10, 2026
PROFILE PUBLISHED
ALEJANDRO's profile was published to start raising funds.
August 28, 2026
TREATMENT SCHEDULED
ALEJANDRO was scheduled to receive treatment at Clínica Noel in Colombia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
TODAY
AWAITING FUNDING
ALEJANDRO is currently raising funds for his treatment.
TBD
UPDATE IN PROGRESS
ALEJANDRO's treatment update from Clínica Noel is in progress.

26%

$268 raised, $737 to go

Funded by 12 donors

$268

raised

$737

to go

ALEJANDRO's story

August 4, 2026

Alejandro is an 11-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is a smart, kind, and very friendly boy who enjoys spending time ...

August 4, 2026
PROFILE SUBMITTED
ALEJANDRO was submitted by Camila Barboza, Marketing Manager at Clínica Noel
August 10, 2026
PROFILE PUBLISHED
ALEJANDRO's profile was published to start raising funds.
August 28, 2026
TREATMENT SCHEDULED
ALEJANDRO was scheduled to receive treatment at Clínica Noel in Colombia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
TODAY
AWAITING FUNDING
ALEJANDRO is currently raising funds for his treatment.
TBD
UPDATE IN PROGRESS
ALEJANDRO's treatment update from Clínica Noel is in progress.

Funded by 12 donors

Treatment

Hernia Repair

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $1,005 for ALEJANDRO's treatment

Hospital Fees

$540

Medical Staff

$369

Medication

$96

Supplies

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Common symptoms of a hernia include a swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum that may gradually increase in size over time. This bulge can be accompanied by pain—especially when lifting—along with a dull aching sensation, a feeling of fullness, or, in some cases signs of bowel obstruction.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Hernias will not disappear on their own. Over time, a hernia can grow larger and more painful or can develop complications, such as: Obstruction: Part of the intestine becomes stuck in the inguinal canal, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a painful lump in the groin. Strangulation: Part of the intestine is trapped in a way that cuts off its blood supply.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In the country, it’s hard to have access to good health insurance coverage, is rare that patients are driven to a specialized institution, and even when they are, families often don’t have enough money to pay for the treatment or to travel to the city where they can access surgery.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

A pediatric surgeon does a detailed review of the patient’s condition and determines the best surgical approach. In surgery an incision, or cut, is made in the groin. The hernia “sac” containing the bulging intestine is identified. The surgeon then pushes the hernia back into the abdomen and strengthens the abdominal wall with stitches or synthetic mesh.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

After surgery, the hernia will be treated and will allow the patient to use the abdominal muscles in daily activities.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Infection, bleeding, need for multiple surgeries, viscera perforation, or bowel obstruction.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

In the country, it’s hard to have access to good health insurance coverage, is rare that patients are driven to a specialized institution, and even when they are, families often don’t have enough money to pay for the treatment.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There is no alternative treatment.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Roberto is a resilient 56-year-old man from the Philippines. He is currently unemployed and relies on his brother for food and daily support. He had previously worked as a messenger but had to stop after being advised by the doctor to avoid lifting heavy objects. Two months ago, Roberto was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has caused him anxiety and has prevented him from working. Doctors have recommended a hernia repair surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 16th, Roberto will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Roberto says, "Many thanks to the foundation and to all the people who helped me and became instruments of God in supporting me through this difficult time. May God continue to guide, protect, and bless you, and may your kindness be returned to you many times over."

Fatoumata is a 25-year-old homemaker from Mali. About a week ago, Fatoumata started experiencing uncomfortable symptoms including pain and nausea, which prompted her to seek medical attention at our medical partner's care center Centre de Santé de Référence (CSREF) Commune 6. Following a clinical examination and a scan, she was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The condition requires immediate surgery treatment. Fortunately, on July 2nd, she will undergo surgery at our medical partner's health center. Our medical partner, Muso, is requesting $637 to fund Fatoumata's surgery. Fatoumata and her husband said, "We will be very happy to see Fatoumata in good health after her treatment; we are very grateful to the donors, and thank all those involved in the success of this urgent intervention."

Korotoumou is a 29-year-old mother from Mali. She has a young son and is expecting her second child soon. In her free time, Korotoumou enjoys taking care of her home. Korotoumou's doctors recommended that she deliver by a cesarean section to prevent birthing complications. This way, her doctors can ensure the safety of both Korotoumou and her child. Our medical partner, Muso, is helping Korotoumou undergo a cesarean section on July 14th. Muso is requesting $259 to fund her procedure. Korotoumou expressed her hopes that this surgery will ensure she is able to have a healthy baby.