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Success! Zeblom from Ethiopia raised $1,293 to fund corrective surgery so he can grow up healthy.

Zeblom
100%
  • $1,293 raised, $0 to go
$1,293
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Zeblom's treatment was fully funded on December 28, 2022.

Photo of Zeblom post-operation

March 6, 2023

Zeblom underwent corrective surgery so he can grow up healthy.

Zeblom’s surgery proceeded well and he home is healing. Both the surgery and post-op for Zeblom was smooth. His medical team shared that he is now free from urinary dysfunction and the risk of future complications has been greatly reduced.

Zeblom’s mother said, “For me, this is an unexpected miracle that he got treatment and got well at this age. Before his surgery, I was concerned that he could stay like this for many years. I want to thank God, the chaplain who first told me I can get help in BKMCM, and all those who helped us.”

Zeblom's surgery proceeded well and he home is healing. Both the surgery and post-op for Zeblom was smooth. His medical team shared that he ...

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December 18, 2022

Zeblom is a four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves toys, playing football with his brother, and enjoys going to school. His twin brother is currently suffering from pneumonia and his parents are struggling to pay for medical treatment for both of them. His mother is currently not working as she is taking care of her kids, while Zeblom’s father cuts wood for a living — his income is limited to providing basic needs for his family. They have not yet managed to get proper treatment for Zeblom due to these financial constraints.

Zeblom was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and future infertility.

Fortunately, Zeblom is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care.

Zeblom’s mother says, “After he goes through his surgery, I want to start working again and educate him. I hope he will be healthy like other children.“

Zeblom is a four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves toys, playing football with his brother, and enjoys going to school. His twin brother ...

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Zeblom's Timeline

  • December 18, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Zeblom was submitted by Ruth Kanyeria, SAFE Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • December 22, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Zeblom's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • December 28, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Zeblom's treatment was fully funded.

  • December 29, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Zeblom received treatment at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM) in Ethiopia. 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 6, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Zeblom's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 19 donors

Funded by 19 donors

Treatment
Hypospadias
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,293 for Zeblom's treatment
Hospital Fees
$1,126
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$40
Supplies
$0
Labs
$65
Other
$62
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Hypospadias is a congenital defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. In males, the opening of the urethra is normally at the end of the penis. Symptoms of hypospadias vary. This condition may cause genital malformation and urinary dysfunction. It can lead to infections, social stigma, and infertility.

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

If this condition is not repaired, it can lead to urinary dysfunction, genital malformation, infertility, and increased risk of urinary tract infections.

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

Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects in boys. It is the most frequent congenital urological anomaly, occurring in 1–3 per 1,000 live births.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient is monitored closely and discharged from the hospital after five days. Stitches will be removed during a follow-up appointment.

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

The urethra will be corrected, improving urinary function.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This is a low-risk procedure, and the impact of this surgery lasts a lifetime. If the patient has complicated hypospadias, he may need to undergo further surgery. Follow-up visits with a urologist may also be needed, particularly when patients reach puberty.

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

There are few quality care centers in the region. Hospitals lack adequate resources and expertise to treat this condition.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Surgery is not required for mild cases. Otherwise, there is no alternative.

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.