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Success! Andrea from the Philippines raised $434 to fund surgery to heal a condition she has had since birth, allowing her to live more comfortably.

Andrea
100%
  • $434 raised, $0 to go
$434
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Andrea's treatment was fully funded on September 15, 2022.
July 28, 2022

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.”

Andrea is a sweet five-year-old girl from the Philippines who will be starting kindergarten this coming school year. Some of her favorite ac...

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Andrea's Timeline

  • July 28, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Andrea was submitted by Abegail Joy Cervania, Marketing and Communications Officer at World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

  • July 29, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Andrea's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • July 30, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Andrea was scheduled to receive treatment at Our Lady of Peace Hospital 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 15, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Andrea's treatment was fully funded.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Andrea's treatment update from World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

Funded by 6 donors

Profile 48x48 avatar 20180826 134646
Profile 48x48 20180704 133135
Profile 48x48 img 20161216 144906
Profile 48x48 mutenroshiangel sm

Funded by 6 donors

Profile 48x48 avatar 20180826 134646
Profile 48x48 20180704 133135
Profile 48x48 img 20161216 144906
Profile 48x48 mutenroshiangel sm
Treatment
Anorectal Malformation
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $434 for Andrea's treatment
Hospital Fees
$91
Medical Staff
$40
Medication
$35
Supplies
$177
Labs
$53
Radiology
$11
Other
$27
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Children born with anorectal malformations have dysfunctional bowels due to closure or partial closure of the anus.

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

Children with anorectal malformations are at risk for growth and motor development impairments and other severe complications. The child may also feel isolated or stigmatized given the dysfunctional bowel movement.

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

Teenage and late presentation for treatment of anorectal malformations is not uncommon in the developing world. Some of the reasons for late presentation include but are not limited to illiteracy, poverty, lack of awareness, and limited trained pediatric surgeons. In rural areas, babies with this condition can be considered cursed and are marginalized.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The anus will be surgically created within the sphincter muscle of the patient.

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

The procedure gives the child a new chance at life without the shame of dysfunctional bowel movement, the need for a different diet, and dependence on his/her parents for irrigation and ostomy pouch. A better quality of life awaits every child who undergoes the procedure.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Some of the potential side effects or complications include infection of the surgical site, narrowing of the anal canal, inability to control bowel movements, and rectum collapse.

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

World Surgical Foundation Philippines programs are known throughout the country so patients often travel from other islands and provinces where care isn't available to access treatment in the capital city.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Patients with minimal bowel passage and without access to surgery opt for dilatation or irrigation to help pass stool easily.

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.