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Success! Ezekiel from the Philippines raised $1,279 to fund corrective surgery for his birth condition.

Ezekiel
100%
  • $1,279 raised, $0 to go
$1,279
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Ezekiel's treatment was fully funded on March 4, 2022.

Photo of Ezekiel post-operation

April 5, 2022

Ezekiel underwent corrective surgery for his birth condition.

Ezekiel’s surgery was successful! His family is relieved that he will no longer need pouches attached to his side and no longer will be at risk for future complications. He can now fully experience life as a child without any more difficulty.

“As parents, we are so happy that Ezekiel can now pass stool normally, which will eventually lead to a better life,” Ezekiel’s mother shared. “We are also happy that we will no longer need to pay for colostomy bags for him.”

Ezekiel’s surgery was successful! His family is relieved that he will no longer need pouches attached to his side and no longer will be at r...

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March 1, 2022

Ezekiel is a two-year-old boy from the Philippines. He loves learning the alphabet and playing with cars. Ezekiel’s mother is a stay-at-home mom and his father works at a fast food restaurant earning just enough to sustain the family’s daily needs.

Ezekiel was born with a congenital abnormality that causes intestinal blockage and requires a series of corrective procedures. Ezekiel’s parents shared that they “prayed long and hard for a miracle” to get their child the healthcare he needs. Fortunately, Ezekiel is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on March 2nd and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is helping his parents raise $1,279 to cover the cost of Ezekiel’s procedure and care. After his recovery, Ezekiel will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of further health complications.

Ezekiel’s mother shared, “First and foremost, we are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a difference in our son’s life. Second, we are excited and hopeful that after this treatment Ezekiel will be healthy and active just like the other children his age.”

Ezekiel is a two-year-old boy from the Philippines. He loves learning the alphabet and playing with cars. Ezekiel's mother is a stay-at-home...

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Ezekiel's Timeline

  • March 1, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Ezekiel was submitted by Kolyn Gervacio, Marketing and Communications Officer at World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

  • March 2, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Ezekiel received 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.

  • March 3, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Ezekiel's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • March 4, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Ezekiel's treatment was fully funded.

  • April 5, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Ezekiel's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 8 donors

Funded by 8 donors

Treatment
Anorectal Malformation
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,279 for Ezekiel's treatment
Hospital Fees
$277
Medical Staff
$330
Medication
$180
Supplies
$166
Labs
$201
Radiology
$11
Other
$114
  • 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.

Michelle

Michelle is a young child with a sweet smile. She is the firstborn of a two-child family. Her parents are modest farmers who grow potatoes and vegetables primarily for their own family's consumption. Additionally, they run a small kiosk out of their home, but its limited earnings are insufficient to cover their basic needs. Michelle is presently enrolled in nursery school at a nearby public school. Michelle had a normal cold when she visited our medical facility. She was gasping loudly while inhaling and coughing frequently. Since last year, Michelle has been ill. Her mother noticed that whenever she had a cold, she would frequently complain of a sore throat and cough a lot. She also have a hard time sleeping, has trouble breathing, and has difficulty feeding because she always breathes through her mouth. Michelle has to wear extra warm clothing to stay warm during the colder months because her nose always gets congested, which is hard for her. She has been an inactive child as she is always tired. Her sleep patterns are constantly off, and she easily nods asleep during the school day, which has a negative impact on how well she does academically. Due to recurring tonsil infections that are resistant to therapy, Michelle has been in and out of the hospital several times. During her last visit, the doctor examined her and realized that her tonsils and adenoids had hypertrophied. She has been diagnosed with grade three tonsils, and since she was not responding to any medication, the doctor advised them to have surgery, which would provide a lasting, long-term solution to her problem. Michelle's parents have medical insurance, but in the last three months, they did not manage to pay their monthly subscriptions as they were low on income. Their coverage is in arrears, and unfortunately, it will not cover her procedure. She requires $714 for her surgery to be done, and her parents are appealing to all well-wishers reading her story to assist her in getting her surgery. Michelle's mother says, “My daughter has really suffered over a long period of time. She has taken numerous drugs without any noticeable change in her, and this has me very concerned. I want her to be able to have a regular life and do well in school. Please assist her so that she can eventually realize her goals."

45% funded

45%funded
$328raised
$386to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.