Success! Kimathi from Kenya raised $528 to fund hernia repair surgery.

100%

$528 raised, $0 to go

$528

raised

to go

Kimathi's story
Kimathi's update

January 16, 2017

Kimathi is a three-month-old boy from Kenya, one of a set of twins. The twins live with their parents and third sibling in the suburbs of Nairobi.

When Kimathi was one month old, his parents noticed a swelling that appeared when he coughed or cried. After visiting a nearby clinic, they were told that Kimathi had a left inguinal hernia, which would require surgery. Such an operation was beyond the scope of the facility, so Kimathi was referred to our medical partner’s care center, Bethany Kids Kijabe Hospital. There, Kimathi’s parents were informed that their son was at risk of blood supply restriction to nearby nerves and tissue.

“Watching my son cry in pain is unbearable,” his father says. “His brother is so calm, and I want the same for him.”

Kimathi is scheduled to undergo a repair surgery on January 17. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $528 to cover the cost of the operation, medication, and two nights of hospital stay. His family has already contributed $52. After surgery, Kimathi is expected to make a full recovery, developing normally and without pain.

Kimathi is a three-month-old boy from Kenya, one of a set of twins. The twins live with their parents and third sibling in the suburbs of Na...

Photo of Kimathi post-operation

March 10, 2017

Kimathi underwent successful hernia repair surgery.

This treatment has reduced his risk of restricted blood supply or hernia strangulation. He will no longer experience urinary or bowel dysfunction.

“Your support truly means a lot. The surgery went on well, and I am excited to see our twins grow up as they ought to. Again, thank you so much for your support,” says Kimathi’s mother.

This treatment has reduced his risk of restricted blood supply or hernia strangulation. He will no longer experience urinary or bowel dysfun...

January 16, 2017
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Kimathi was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, SAFE Senior Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.
January 18, 2017
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Kimathi's profile was published to start raising funds.
January 24, 2017
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Kimathi received treatment at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH) in Kenya. 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.
March 10, 2017
TREATMENT UPDATE
Kimathi's treatment was successful. Read the update.
April 1, 2017
FULLY FUNDED
Kimathi's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 17 donors

Treatment

Hernia / Hydrocele Bilateral

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $528 for Kimathi's treatment

Hospital Fees

$522

Medical Staff

Medication

Supplies

Labs

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

A hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the lower abdominal wall, usually for one of two reasons. The first is a congenital abnormality in which the tissues did not close. The second is excessive stress in an adult, often due to heavy physical labor or pregnancy. Patients experience a bulge or lump in the affected area. The hernia may cause the patient to feel pain, discomfort, weakness, pressure, and sensations of heaviness or aching. These symptoms are often exacerbated when the patient coughs, bends over, or lifts heavy objects. In some cases, hernias have no symptoms and are only detected during routine medical exams.

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

Patients with uncomplicated hernias may experience only annoyance or discomfort. As the hernia opening expands, the discomfort will increase. Small openings are more likely to trap the intestine, potentially leading to intestinal damage or death.

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

Hernias are common in Africa. People often do very hard physical labor and lift heavy objects. Women tend to have more children than those in the United States. It is possible that some hernias have infectious or genetic causes.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Surgery lasts for three to eight hours, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient will stay in the hospital anywhere from two days to eight weeks, again depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient is continually monitored.

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

Treatment is curative. The chance of intestinal strangulation or bowel obstruction reduces significantly.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Hernia repair is not a risky procedure, and it comes with few side effects.

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

Many patients will ignore a hernia until it becomes uncomfortable and seek care at that time. Some people will wear tighter pants or a tight band around the waist to prevent the intestine from protruding.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If the hernia is not “stuck,” patients tend to ignore it and adapt to living with it. However, this could lead to future complications.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Ol is a 52-year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampot province with her husband. Their three children live nearby and help support them and visit often. Ol loves spending time with family, chatting with her friends in the village, and watching Cambodian soap operas. This past September, Ol fell at home and fractured her right arm. She sought treatment from a traditional healer in the village, but the fracture has not healed. She is in pain and unable to carry out every day activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) can help. On December 7th, Ol will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will help her restore function in her arm. Ol and her family are able helping to contribute towards the cost of the surgery, but need help raising $483 to fund her treatment. She shared, "I want to get better so I will be able to do my housework and cooking."

Zanila is a four-year-old girl from Dedza District in Malawi. She is an only child in her family, and is currently enrolled in primary school. Zanila’s parents are small-scale farmers, growing maize for consumption and groundnuts for commercial purposes. Recently, Zanila had climbed a guava tree to collect some fruits when she fell, sustaining an elbow fracture. She was rushed to a nearby health center where a supracondylar fracture diagnosis was confirmed, and her family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital for treatment. Zanila is presently in pain and unable to attend school or play with her friends. Her family is however not able to afford the surgery cost. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Zanila receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform an open reduction and internal fixation surgical procedure to repair the fracture and restore functionality. Now, Zanila's family needs help to fund this $525 procedure. Zanila’s mother says, “I am looking forward to my daughter’s treatment and recovery.”

Rossette is a 35-year-old housewife from Uganda. Her husband works in a retail shop and supports his wife as she has not been able to find a job. During her free time, Rossette enjoys visiting her friends. Rossette is currently expecting her first child. She received antenatal care at Rushoroza Hospital, where her doctors recommended that she deliver via a Cesarean section because of breech presentation at term. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rossette undergo a C-Section on March 1st. This procedure will cost $214 and Rossette needs your support. Rosette says, “I hope I will have a successful surgery with a positive outcome. After complete recovery, I will continue to search for a job. May God bless you.”

Kimathi's Timeline

Share Kimathi's story

Funded by 17 donors

Treatment

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.