Southern Philippines Medical Center

Rosalie is a 48-year-old mother from the Philippines. She lives with her husband and children. Her husband works as a construction worker to support their family. When Rosalie was 14 years old, she developed a cyst in her chin. Her parents brought her to a doctor to have it removed. Unfortunately, when she was 38, it reappeared. Her cyst was diagnosed as an ameloblastoma, a benign tumor of the jaw. Her condition causes her severe headaches, and it is difficult for her to eat, as the mass does not allow her to open her mouth very well. Through a health trainer, Rosalie learned about our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). On April 19, Rosalie will undergo surgery at Southern Philippines Medical Center, ICM's care center, to remove her tumor and reconstruct her chin. ICM is asking for $1,495 to cover the cost of her operation. "I am very much privileged to be a part of Watsi and be given a chance at treatment," says Rosalie. "I am overwhelmed with your generosity and your prayers."

Joshua lives in the Philippines with his family. The family lives in a crowded area wherein they have many neighbors. But despite their living condition, they have harmonious relationship with each other and the people in their community. Joshua currently lives with an anorectal malformation. He experiences discrimination among his friends, classmates, and peers because of his condition. His teacher often sends him home whenever he does not bring an extra plastic bag for his colostomy. Whenever he eats fruits like pineapple, he suffers from stomach pain. When he exerts effort like playing vigorously or lifting heavy objects, his colostomy site becomes tender and bleeds. He thus has problems concentrating in school, and his studies and social interactions are very much affected. Joshua's family is also very concerned with Joshua's problem. Joshua sometimes roams around the market with his bike and collects bottles and scrap iron to be sold in junk shops to help his parents in their finances. His father is working at a fruit company and is the only provider of the family. For $965, Joshua can receive the colostomy closure he needs to recover from his condition. "I just want to see my child live normally just like other children," his mother said. "We as a family desires so much that Joshua will be treated but we really can't afford his treatment. As the matter of fact, we are struggling to provide our daily needs. We are hoping and praying that somebody would help us to provide for his surgery."

Meet four-year-old Samryll Ian from the Philippines. He dreams of one day becoming an engineer. Samryll Ian's mother is a saleswoman and his father is a fisherman. "Samryll is a shy boy but loves to play with his siblings," shares our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Samryll Ian has an anorectal malformation, a defect in the opening at the end of the large intestine through which stool passes. ICM shares, "He tends to be alone and not mingle with other children. Although he does not fully understand his condition, he is still positive that he could be well someday." Because his mother and father's job does not provide the family with a fixed income, the family cannot afford to fund treatment for his condition. For $965, Samryll Ian can receive treatment that will allow him to pass stool normally again. After treatment, "Samryll will have the confidence to play with the other children and pursue his dream to become an engineer," explains ICM. His mother adds, "We want to see him grow normally like any other kids in his school, so that he can fulfill his dreams in the future and help our family go out of poverty."