Venkata Harish Mallipeddi
Venkata's Story

Venkata joined Watsi on April 17th, 2013. 30 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Venkata's most recent donation traveled 8,300 miles to support Dah Si, a student from Burma, to fund heart surgery.

Impact

Venkata has funded healthcare for 70 patients in 10 countries.

Patients funded by Venkata

Dah Si is a 23-year-old student from Burma. She lives with her parents in a village. She had to stop her education in 2021 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and later the military coup in her country. Now she assists her parents with household chores while her parents are farmers. During her free time, Dah Si enjoys playing with her niece and nephew, listening to music, and watching movies on her phone. Dah Si has a heart condition that requires replacement of two heart valves (aortic and mitral) and repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long term damage to the heart and lungs. She experiences difficulty breathing, chest pains, fatigue, a decreased appetite and a rapid heartbeat. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for this complex surgery. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on November 21st and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and have a more active and healthy life ahead. Dah Si mentioned, "when I see my friends having fun, playing, and exploring new places, I wish I could join them. But because of my condition, I just stay at home. Even at home, I sometimes feel tired and struggle to breathe. Knowing that BCMF and donors will support my treatment, I feel very happy. Thank you so much for your kindness and support."

$1,202raised
$298to go

Sopheakdey is a 42 year old tuk-tuk driver, living with his wife and two children in Kandal province, Cambodia. Sopheakdey's wife works in a clothes factory, while Sopheakdey stays at home with their five year old daughter, since his condition prevents him from being able to work. For the past four years, Sopheakdey has been suffering from chronic back pain. While he has no history of trauma, it is difficult for him to bend, twist, or stoop down; any work or activity causes pain. His legs feel weak and clumsy, so he stays home. Because he cannot work, he worries about being able to feed his family. Fortunately, a relative told him about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Surgeons have diagnosed him with spondylolysis, a weakness or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae, the small bones that make up the spinal column. This weakness can occur with no known injury. The most common cause in adults is degenerative arthritis. On August 3rd, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre plan to do a posterolateral lumbar fusion, to stabilize his spine and decrease his pain. Now, Sopheakdey needs your help to defray the cost of the $1500 operation. The money he receives will cover surgery, medication, and post-operative care. Sopheakdey said: "I hope that my pain will be less after surgery, and I can go back to work to help my wife and children."

$814raised
$686to go

John is a devoted farmer and a loving father of three boys. He finds solace and fulfillment in tending to his farm, caring for his sheep and cows. Unfortunately, last year, he suffered a leg injury that affected his mobility, and he now relies on a walker to move around. Thankfully, his wife has been a great support, assisting him with daily tasks since the accident. When our medical partner first encountered John, he had come to the emergency department with a four-day-old fracture. The injury occurred when he bravely confronted a wild animal that had threatened his sheep during the night. However, he slipped on muddy ground during the encounter, resulting in a severe injury to his right leg. Upon closer examination, doctors discovered that John had experienced a previous fracture in the same leg about a year ago, which had never received proper treatment. Despite getting a cast in a nearby health facility, John and his family couldn't afford the transportation to Kapsowar Hospital for treatment by an orthopedic surgeon. Consequently, he endured pain and had limited use of his limb. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH) has skilled surgeons who can offer assistance. On August 2nd, John is scheduled to undergo a fracture repair procedure, known as an open reduction and internal fixation. This intervention will alleviate his pain, allow for proper healing, and restore his ability to work and provide for his family. To support John's journey to recovery, AMH is seeking $1145 to fund the procedure. Your generous contribution will make a significant impact, giving John the opportunity to heal, regain mobility, and continue his vital role as a provider for his family. John says, "I have had problems with my body, and my financial status is very poor. I wish I was well and with energy so that I can do my daily chores. Please help me undergo this surgery so that I may be strong and be able to restore my mobility.”

$1,145raised
Fully funded

Zin is a 17-year-old student who lives with her parents and older brother. She is in eighth grade but stopped her schooling six months ago due to her deteriorating health. Her father is a carpenter, and her mother is a homemaker. Her older brother works at a furniture factory. Zin enjoys dancing in her free time. In June 2022, Zin started to experience persistent coughing. She also occasionally felt tired, which worsened when she laid down. Due to this symptom, she had difficulty sleeping at night. She received medications at a clinic, but they only helped her temporarily. In April 2023, both of Zin's legs became swollen, so they sought medical care. The cardiologist performed an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and chest X-ray, and diagnosed Zin with mitral valve regurgitation and tricuspid valve regurgitation due to rheumatic heart disease. This means that the valves of her heart are not properly closing. On July 21st, doctors with our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) will perform heart surgery on Zin, replacing her mitral and tricuspid valves. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to fund the procedure. Her father shared, “I am thankful I got in contact with you. It is a blessing to receive help from you. I wish you the best. I am also happy for my daughter because she is so lucky to receive such support. It is impossible for us to pay for her treatment without your help.”

$997raised
$503to go

Oeng is a 73-year-old grandfather and retired fisherman from Pursat province, Cambodia. He is married and has one son, four daughters, and two grandchildren. He and his wife live with his oldest son, a fish seller at a local market. At home, he likes to listen to the news on his phone and play with his grandchildren. About four years ago, Oeng developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He finds it difficult to take walks outside so often stays alone in the house. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Oeng learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for 6.5 hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Oeng is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to raise the remaining $253 to fully fund the procedure. Oeng shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I want to grow some vegetables around my house for our meals and take walks outside again with my wife."

$130raised
$123to go

Vuon is an 85-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is a widow with seven children and ten grandchildren. After her husband died four years ago, she moved in with one of her daughters and two of her grandchildren. Since her vision has deteriorated, she mostly stays at home and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the local radio station. When she used to be able to go out more, she enjoyed going to the pagoda in her village. Around three years ago, Vuon developed entropion of the eyelids. This means that her eyelids roll inward, causing her eyelashes to scrape her eyes. As a result of this condition, it is difficult for her to open her eyes, and she constantly feels uncomfortable. Vuon traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On June 7th, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a corrective procedure to repair her eyelids. Now, Vuon needs help to raise $249 to fund this procedure. Vuon said: "After surgery, I hope I can feel happy to not have this bother me anymore, and I can go to the pagoda on my own."

$50raised
$199to go

Billy is a 14-year-old student from a rural area named Migori in Kenya. He is in grade six, and loves playing football. He is the last born in a family of 6 kids. He comes from a family that depends on their small-scale farming for sustenance and live together in a mud house. Three months ago, Billy was playing with other boys using bicycles. Unfortunately, one of the boys pushed his bike down a hill, and Billy fell into a ditch. He was hurt in the right leg and was taken to Migori Referral, where a Plaster cast was applied. The bones had not united when it was removed, but the family decided to seek traditional medicine. In spite of the traditional medicine, which involved massaging his leg, Billy cannot walk properly. He is in a lot of pain; he has difficulties walking and engaging in day-to-day activities. Dr. Owen, a Medical Officer, heard about Billy when he visited Migori. He decided to request and pay for an X-Ray, which showed the bones are not united yet. The doctor brought Billy to Nazareth Hospital for evaluation by Watsi's local rep. When he was seen at Nazareth, the surgeon determined that a fracture surgery is needed to correct his condition, but the cost is very out of reach for this family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On July 4th, Billy will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. When treated, Billy will no longer be in pain, he will be able to walk, and his leg will heal without deformity as he continues to grow. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1049 to fund this procedure. “I thank Dr Owen for what he has done. I hope my brother can get help so that his leg can recover so that he can go back to school,” said Billy’s brother quietly.

$1,049raised
Fully funded

Janet is a 23-year-old young lady from Uganda. She is currently a student in her final year pursuing a diploma in accounting. She is the youngest of three children. Her parents work as farmers and own a four-room mud house for shelter. Janet has had a right inguinal hernia for two years. After a year, she visited a nearby health unit and was given medication, but there was no improvement in her condition. Currently, she experiences on-and-off swelling, and it is very painful when it appears. This is common whenever she walks long distances, develops a cough, or needs to squat down. On March 22nd, Janet will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) is requesting $170 to fund Janet's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Janet says, “I believe my condition is abnormal and I am worried. I pray that I may have a successful surgery and be able to take on my studies comfortably.”

$170raised
Fully funded

Sombo is a 40-year-old father and street cart owner from Cambodia. He and his wife earn a living by selling beef sandwiches from their street cart. They have one son, who is in the first grade. In his free time, Sombo likes to learn more styles of cooking to make their food cart more successful. In mid-April, Sombo was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right knee. Consequently, it is difficult for him to walk and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On May 2nd, Sombo will undergo a fracture repair procedure that will help him walk easily again. CSC is requesting $483 to fund this procedure. Sombo contributed $85 to his care. Sombo shared: "After surgery, I hope that the fracture will heal and I can go back to work and spend time with my son."

$483raised
Fully funded

Akram is a cute, curious 3-year-old from Tanzania. His mother is the family’s sole provider and works as a vendor at a local market, selling vegetables and fruits. Currently, Akram and his mother live in town to help save on living costs as he receives medical treatment, while his three siblings live with their grandmother in the village. Akram was diagnosed with bilateral genus varus, a condition in which his legs bow outwards so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Akram receive treatment. On January 6th, he will undergo surgery that will restore his mobility, allow him to participate in various activities, and significantly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 to fund this procedure. Akram’s mother shared: “As a single mother struggling to provide for my children, Akram’s condition has been weighing on me.”

$880raised
Fully funded

Stravensky, who is 18 years old, and in his final year of high school, lives in Port-au-Prince in Haiti, with his parents and two sisters. He aspires to go on to university to study engineering. Stravensky was born with atrial septal defect, a cardiac condition, where a hole exists between the upper two chambers in his heart. Instead of circulating through his lungs and picking up oxygen, the blood leaks through the hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to fund the costs of the surgery that Stravensky needs to repair his heart. The procedure, during which the hole will be repaired, is scheduled for February 1st, at Clinica Corominas. After this life changing operation, Stravensky should be able to live a healthy and comfortable life, and to pursue his ambitions without experiencing his current symptoms. From Stravensky: "I have been hoping to have my heart fixed ever since I was a small child - I can't believe it is finally happening!"

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Srey Sor is a 33-year-old wife and mother of two from Cambodia. She has a 16-year-old son in high school and a 5-year-old daughter in kindergarten. Her husband supports the family by working a local job in construction. In her free time, Srey Sor likes to garden, grow her own vegetables, and cook for her family. Three years ago, Srey Sor fell at home, injuring her tibia and de-stabilizing her knee. The injury has resulted in recurring dislocations in her knee. Due to the severity of the injury, Srey Sor has been unable to walk and needs to take pain medication regularly to ease her symptoms. When Srey Sor learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for over two hours to seek treatment. On February 16th, surgeons at CSC will perform a knee fusion procedure to secure the joint and restore a pain-free range of motion in her leg. CSC is requesting $600 to fund this procedure. Srey Sor said, "I hope after this surgery I can walk and take care of my children and that the pain will stop."

$600raised
Fully funded