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Bela is an 18-month-old girl from the Philippines who needs $1,211 to fund surgery for a birth condition.

Bela
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  • $536 raised, $675 to go
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$675
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January 13, 2023

Bela is an 18-month-old girl from the Philippines, who loves listening to nursery rhymes and playing with her musical toys. She lives with her older sibling, her father, who is a businessman, and her mother, who is a homemaker.

Bela was born with an anorectal malformation, which is a congenital condition that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate her bowel dysfunction and help her grow up healthy.

Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Bela access the treatment that she needs. She is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on January 14th, at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being paid for by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is looking to you to help raise $1,211 to cover the remaining cost of Bela’s procedure and care. After her recovery, Bela will no longer need a colostomy, experience bowel dysfunction, or be at risk of developing health complications in the future.

Bela’s mother said: “As a parent, I hoped she’d have a normal life, and be free from using a colostomy bag. To be honest, a huge part of our budget goes to her colostomy supplies. So this free surgery is really a big help to our family. To WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines, thank you very much! We wouldn’t know how to get her treated without your support.”

Bela is an 18-month-old girl from the Philippines, who loves listening to nursery rhymes and playing with her musical toys. She lives with ...

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Bela's Timeline

  • January 13, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 14, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Bela 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.

  • January 16, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Bela's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Bela is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

Funded by 16 donors

Funded by 16 donors

Treatment
Anorectal Malformation
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,211 for Bela's treatment
Hospital Fees
$174
Medical Staff
$234
Medication
$108
Supplies
$545
Labs
$70
Radiology
$11
Other
$69
  • 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.

Angela

Angela is a 32-year-old woman from Kenya. She is a single mother to four children between the ages of 4 and 13 years old. Her husband left to marry another woman, and Angela works hard to provide for her children. She was fetching firewood to sell to hotels and homes but became too ill to carry out this work. She also worked in a hotel as a cleaner, but the income was insufficient for their needs. Now, after taking her children to school, Angela stays in the area to carry water and wash clothes for residents. She also receives some financial support from her family. Angela shared that life has been challenging, but she is thankful to be alive and raising support for her treatment needs. Angela first met our medical partner's surgical team during a medical camp they hosted in her hometown a few months ago. During that visit, she was diagnosed with a non-toxic multinodular goiter. Angela’s symptoms began a few years back, including experiencing swelling on her neck and difficulty eating, swallowing, and breathing. She cannot sleep at night and becomes fatigued quickly. Angela needs to undergo surgery to heal and prevent her symptoms from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Angela receive treatment. On March 16th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMH’s care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $936 to fund Angela’s surgery. Angela said: “Life is so hard, and sometimes I want to give up, but when I remember my children, I encourage myself to keep going only for their sake. When I get treated, I can work hard and provide for them without difficulty. Kindly help me.”

0% funded

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$0raised
$936to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.