Zamboanga Del Norte Medical Center

Joseph is a five-year-old boy and the youngest of three children in his family in the Philippines. He is a quiet, shy, and sweet boy who loves to play with other kids his age, running, skipping, and playing marbles. He lives with his mother, who earns a small, unstable income as a networking sales agent. His older siblings are in high school and college. When Joseph was still a small boy, his mother observed that one of his testicles was missing, but she did not take him for a medical check-up because of the family's limited finances. He was later diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which the testicle does not descend into the scrotum. In male infants, both testes usually move down into the scrotum just prior to birth. However, in some infants, one or both testes may stop along the path to the scrotum, pausing in the abdomen or groin before continuing to the scrotum within a few months. For those infants whose testes do not descend by four months of age, surgery is required. On May 18, Joseph will undergo surgery to move the undescended testicle into the scrotum. During the procedure—known as orchidopexy—a surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum or groin, detaches the testis and cord from surrounding tissues, manipulates the testis into the scrotum, and sutures it into place. Watsi's medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), requests $826 to pay for transportation to and from Zamboanga Del Norte Medical Center, doctors' fees, medicine, and food for Joseph's care. "I am so worried about my son​'s​ condition, for he is getting older and older, and if it is not treated, ​I am afraid it will turn into a more complicated disease," shares Joseph's mother. "Please help us in his surgery, and it is my honor and great privilege to receive the ​help you will be giving us. My only wish that my son will grow normally with no disease that could threaten his life and future." Joseph, who attends a jumpstart school sponsored by ICM, wants to be a pediatric surgeon when he grows up. He wants to operate on children with conditions like his. Let's help fund surgery for a future doctor!

Elvera is a wife and mother of six children from the Philippines. She is a very supportive wife and caring mother, and their house is always filled with laughter. For almost ten years, Elvera has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms, headaches, and leg cramps. As a result, she is often unable to go to work. Last year, she was diagnosed with a myoma, a benign tumor that develops in the uterus. The doctor recommended surgery, but Elvera did not have the funds for the treatment. Fortunately, Elvera is a member of our medical partner's program. She informed the medical staff that she needed surgery. After undergoing lab tests, she was cleared for surgery, which is scheduled for February 24. She will undergo a hysterectomy to remove her uterus and the tumor. "I am so thankful for your help," says Elvera. "This treatment means a lot to me and my family. When fully recovered, I will be able to work well and earn more for my children's education. I will treasure this opportunity in my heart forever."

Ceasar is a wife and mother of two children. Her husband works as a driver. Her family lives in a house owned by their church minister. For five years, Ceasar has been experiencing irregular menstruation, headaches, body weakness, and leg cramps. These symptoms prevent her from working. She never sought treatment because she could not afford it. Fortunately, Ceasar is a member of one of our medical partner's sponsored communities. She underwent an ultrasound and was diagnosed with adenomyosis, an overgrowth of endometrial tissue in the uterus. On February 20, Ceasar will undergo a hysterectomy to remove her uterus. Our medical partner is requesting $187 to fund her treatment. The surgery will alleviate her symptoms and improve her quality of life. "I am overjoyed for the help you have extended on my condition. I am looking forward to the day after the treatment that I will no longer experience heavy bleeding, and I will be healed. I am excited to be fully recovered and help my husband in sustaining the needs of our children and for their brighter future," she says.

Merlinda is a 51-year-old mother of four who lives in the Philippines. Her husband provides the majority of her family's income. However, Merlinda sometimes sells barbecue outside their home to supplement the household income. For over a year, Merlinda has experienced excessive blood loss due to gynecological problems, causing her headaches, body pains, leg cramps, and fatigue. These symptoms hinder her ability to take care of her home and children. If left untreated, the condition may cause Merlinda further complications. With the help of a health trainer from our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), Melinda was diagnosed with uterine leiomyomas, tumors that arise from the overgrowth of smooth muscle and connective tissue in the uterus. ICM's head medic recommended Melinda for surgery. Melinda is scheduled for surgery on February 17. It will cost $187. Your donation will help pay for Melinda's labs, medication, hospital food, and a follow up consultation. The surgery will alleviate her symptoms and prevent any further complications. "I am so happy for the help and support," Melinda says. She adds, "If I will fully recover, I will help my husband earn for my family by looking for a job so we can both sustain the needs of our children so they can finish their education. Thank you so much for this great opportunity."

Alicia is a 48-year-old mother of five. She lives with her husband, who works as a farm laborer, and with her two grandchildren. Her husband is the sole earner for the family. For one year, Alicia had been experiencing irregular menstruation, lower abdominal pain, lightheadedness, weakness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms all hinder her ability to perform daily household activities. Alicia is a member of a community sponsored by our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). She was able to undergo laboratory tests and was cleared to have surgery. Alicia will undergo a hysterectomy to remove her uterus on February 2. However, her family cannot afford the surgery, so ICM is requesting $187. After this procedure, she will be free of pain and able to get back to her daily life. "I am so thankful for this opportunity. I am hoping that I will be well and no longer experience excessive bleeding. I am excited to have the surgery," says Alicia.

Emelda is a wife and mother of five children from the Philippines. She has been married to her husband for 32 years, and three of their children already have their own families. Her husband, who is the sole provider of the family, works as a tricycle driver. Emelda has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms and muscle cramps. A year ago, she experienced severe bleeding and had to undergo a blood transfusion. She was diagnosed with a leiomyoma, a benign smooth muscle tumor in her uterus. She was advised to have surgery, but she could not afford treatment. Fortunately, Emelda is part of a community that is sponsored by our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). She is scheduled for a hysterectomy on February 16. Our medical partner is requesting $187 to fund the treatment. "I am so thankful that I was given a chance to be a part of this surgical mission," says Emelda. "I am excited that my suffering will end and that I will no longer feel heavy bleeding and pain. I will always be grateful for all the donors and people who helped me."

Norma is a 44-year-old mother of three. Her children love her very much and they are very close to her. She spends most of her time with her grandchild in her little store, while her husband works as a peace officer. Norma is experiencing body weakness and numbness. She also has leg cramps and body pains. In October 2015, she noticed that her lower abdomen was enlarged. Worried about her condition, she was went to the doctor. She was diagnosed with a myoma, a noncancerous uterine growth, and was advised to have surgery. However, she could not afford treatment. Fortunately, Norma was referred to our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). She is scheduled to have surgery on February 24. However, her family cannot afford the surgery, so ICM is requesting $187 to help fund the treatment. "I am so thankful for this opportunity," she says. "If the treatment only depended on our financial capacity, surgery would really be impossible. But because of your help, I will have the surgery that I have been dreaming of. Thank you so much for making this possible for me. Thank you for your help and donations. I will never forget this privilege that has come to me."

Perlina is a 51-year-old woman from the Philippines. She and her husband share their home with three foster children. Her husband works as a farmer, while she primarily rears the children. For the past seven years, Perlina has been experiencing severe and heaving bleeding during menstruation. This symptom is accompanied by body pains and leg cramps. In 2014, she was diagnosed with a myoma, a noncancerous tumor that grows in or around the uterus. To prevent Perlina's symptoms from worsening, doctors have scheduled her for a hysterectomy surgery on February 20, 2017. The surgery will remove part or all of her uterus. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $187 to fund her transport and pre-surgery medical preparation. "I am so much thankful for all the people who have the passion to help," she says. "It has been my prayer and dream to undergo treatment, but I was not able to have because of financial problems. You are the answer to my prayer. I am looking forward to a day free of difficulty so I can serve my husband and my children well."

Meet Geraldine from the Philippines. She has been happily married to her husband for the last 17 years. Geraldine has a medical condition known as uterine myoma, which refers to the growths that have developed on the wall of her uterus. Geraldine experiences painful and heavy bleeding, and this leaves her feeling very tired. She received a medical consultation in 2014 and was advised to undergo surgery to alleviate her symptoms. Due to financial constraints, Geraldine was unable to go ahead with the surgery. Geraldine was then referred to our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), where doctors have arranged for Geraldine to undergo a hysterectomy on February 13. ICM is asking for $187 to cover the costs of this surgery. Geraldine is extremely thankful to all those who have helped her and prays that one day she "will be free of this difficulty."

Gemma is a 52-year-old mother of five children, three of whom are already married. She loves to spend most of her time with her two youngest children. During weekends, her family gardens. Her husband works as a tricycle driver and is the sole provider for the family. Gemma was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst in 2013. Due to financial constraints, she was not able to undergo the advised treatment. As the years passed, she started experiencing pain in her lower abdomen, legs, and back. She is also easily fatigued. Fortunately, Gemma is a member of a community sponsored by our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Gemma will undergo a hysterectomy on February 21. This procedure will alleviate her symptoms. However, her family cannot afford the treatment. ICM is requesting $187 to fund her surgery. This treatment will allow her to live pain-free. Gemma says, "I have been dreaming that one day, I could be able to get the surgery that I need. I am so thankful that there are people who are willing to make my dream a reality."

Jelo is an active and joyful two-year-old boy. He loves to play around and chase animals like chickens and small kittens. He is a joy to his family and because of that they really want that Jelo will grow normal just like other kids his age. Jelo lived a normal infancy until he was a year and a half old. His parents observed whenever he played, he always cried because of the discomfort he felt in his inguinal area. There was also an increase in the size of his scrotum that worried them the most. His mother fears that if Jelo's inguinal hernia is not treated, it may worsen. After receiving a health screening in one of International Care Ministries' sponsored communities, Jelo was then brought for consultation and was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. After surgery, his mother looks forward to seeing her son free from all the discomforts that the condition brought to him and seeing him live normally like other kids. "Thank you for the hope you gave us. It was devastating for us to know that we can't do anything for him because we don't have money to pay for his surgery," shares Jelo's mother. "We are thankful that there are still people who are willing to help those in need and we are the recipient of it. Thank you and we pray that the operation will be successful so my son will live normally."