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Success! Armand from the Philippines raised $1,500 for a colostomy closure.

100%
  • $1,500 raised, $0 to go
$1,500
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Armand's treatment was fully funded on September 4, 2016.

Photo of Armand post-operation

October 19, 2016

Armand successfully received a colostomy closure.

Armand’s final surgery was a success! Armand is currently at home with his family resting and already doing so much better; he passed stool for the first time normally since the surgery, a great sign that he’s on the right track to recovery. His parents have shared that Armand is much more active and playful already. His parents are so happy to see him recovering, and are now thinking about enrolling him in school for the upcoming year.

“Thank you very much for everything that you have done for my son, Armand, for all the support, prayers and kindness that you showed us since the day we came to you for help,” shares Armand’s mom. “We will be forever grateful for all that you have done to my son, he is now ready to go to school and I am very happy for him. I pray that you will succeed.”

Armand's final surgery was a success! Armand is currently at home with his family resting and already doing so much better; he passed stool ...

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July 26, 2016

Three-year-old Armand had a colostomy when he was two, after his parents noticed he had trouble passing stool.

“After the colostomy procedure, his parents struggled buying all the needed medication and dressings for Armand, and their finances dropped so they were not able to follow-up his treatment,” reports our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM).

Armand and his family live in the Philippines, and were referred to ICM’s medical program. He was finally able to have a pull-through operation last December to correct the damaged portion of his colon, allowing him to pass stool normally. Now, he needs a final surgery to close the existing colostomy.

ICM shares, “According to his mother, every morning when she changed Armand’s colostomy bag, he always told her that he wants to go to school someday without his colostomy. His mother said that she want to see Armand grow free from his condition and live a normal life like other kids.”

Armand’s father earns about $24 per month as a sugarcane worker, and his family can’t afford to pay for his final surgery, which costs $1,500.

“Now, that Armand is on the last part of his treatment, the closure of his colostomy, the family is happy and hopeful that they can start anew after this. They are looking forward to Armand having a brighter future ahead of him being free from the threat to his health.”

Three-year-old Armand had a colostomy when he was two, after his parents noticed he had trouble passing stool. "After the colostomy proc...

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Armand's Timeline

  • July 26, 2016
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Armand was submitted by Krishiel Ferenal, National Health Officer at International Care Ministries.

  • August 1, 2016
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Armand received treatment at Bacolod Adventist Medical Center in Philippines. 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.

  • September 1, 2016
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Armand's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • September 4, 2016
    FULLY FUNDED

    Armand's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 19, 2016
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Armand's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 3 donors

Funded by 3 donors

Treatment
Colostomy Closure
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

A colostomy is a surgical operation in which the colon has been diverted to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall to bypass a damaged part of the colon. Similarly, an ileostomy is a surgical operation in which a portion of the small intestine has been diverted to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall. The colostomy or ileostomy opens into an external plastic pouch or bag, which needs to be changed several times a day.

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

This condition causes social difficulty and limits participation in activities, such as sports and swimming. Furthermore, it requires daily care to prevent infection and herniation.

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

This treatment is necessary and has no historical, cultural, or regional significance.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

During a colostomy closure, surgeons disconnect the bowel from the colostomy opening in the abdominal wall and reconnect the parts of the large intestine to each other. They also close the colostomy opening in the abdominal wall.

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

This surgery is life-changing. The patient will no longer live with the discomfort and limitations caused by the colostomy.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure has few side effects. The patient may experience a temporary delay of function of the intestine.

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

Patients may travel several hours by bus to reach pediatric surgeons in major hospitals. These patients are members of our medical partner's sponsored communities.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The only alternative to undergoing corrective surgery is continuing to live with a colostomy.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.