Silliman University Medical Center

Joey is a 22-year-old student from the Philippines. He currently lives with his parents and his five siblings. During the day, when he isn't at school or studying, he helps with household chores and farm work. When he's not too busy, he loves spending time with his friends. Unfortunately, in 2012, he began experiencing throbbing pain at the front of his left ear. He was later diagnosed with an infraauricular mass and was told he needed surgery. Joey will receive treatment at our medical partner's hospital, Silliman University Medical Center, on June 20. The procedure will cost $1,500. After he has recovered, Joey will be able to lead a normal and pain-free life. He looks forward to this, saying, "Because of my condition, I can't lift heavy objects because I am afraid to experience pain. Hopefully, the operation will be a success so I can be cured from my condition."

Meet Jhon, a young 12-year-old boy from the Philippines. He lives with his parents and his four-year-old brother. He loves to run and play basketball. Jhon was born with a right inguinal hernia. This is a medical condition in which tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the groin region. Jhnon was advised to have surgery when he was younger, but his parents were unable to raise the funds to cover the surgery. The hernia has increased in size and causes Jhon discomfort when he lifts heavy objects. Jhon requires a hydrocele repair to relieve the swelling and repair his hernia. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), has arranged for Jhon to undergo surgery on April 19. Jhon needs our help to raise $1,098 to pay for his surgery. This will also cover his hospital stay as he recovers from the surgery. "We as a family are thankful to all of you for helping our son. We are very excited for the results of the surgery and pray that it will be a success," says Jhon's mother.

“I am looking forward to being able to work again to provide for the needs of my family,” shares Rodolfo, a 48-year-old man from the Philippines. Rodolfo is a loving father of five children. He works hard as a field laborer to provide for his large family, but the income that he earns is barely enough to sustain their basic needs. This challenging situation has become even more stressful recently, as Rodolfo has experienced an increased severity in a long-term medical condition. For over twenty years, Rodolfo has had a hernia in his right groin area. At first, he didn't mind the lump because it was small. As the years have gone on, the mass has continued to grow, and has begun to cause greater and greater discomfort. These days, lifting heavy objects and even standing for long periods can prove painful for Rodolfo—meaning that sometimes he cannot work at all. Hernias in the inguinal region can also pose life-threatening risks, such as strangulation, wherein the herniated intestinal matter becomes cut off from blood supply. Although Rodolfo wanted to have this condition treated earlier, he could not afford to do so. Fortunately, we can now help make medical care available to him. For a fundraising total of $1,098, we can pay for Rodolfo's hernia repair surgery on April 5. This sum will also cover his lab tests and roundtrip travel to the hospital. “Thank you so much in advance for the help you will be giving me,” Rodolfo says.

Neo Mark is a happy and active 21-year-old young man who lives in the Philippines. He was able to finish high school and trained for automotive repair. He started working right after school to help provide for his family. Two years ago, he developed pain in a sensitive area. He was no longer able to work, and he could not lift heavy objects or walk long distances. He was diagnosed with a hernia and advised to have surgery. However, he was not able to undergo the advised treatment due to financial problems. Now, Neo Mark stays at home with his mother and helps with simple household tasks. For $1,098, we can fund a hernia repair surgery that will correct Neo Mark's hernia. This will relieve his pain and make it easier for him to work again. Neo Mark is scheduled for surgery on March 24. With our help, he'll be able to help support his family once again.

John Mark is an active two-year-old boy from the Philippines. He enjoys playing outside with his friends and loves his family very much. His mother is a homemaker, and his father is a fisherman. Since he was two months old, John Mark has had a swelling in his neck. In 2015, he was diagnosed with a cyst that could only be treated surgically. Due to economic hardship, his family could not afford treatment. As John Mark has grown, the cyst has grown too, making treatment an urgent need. On March 21, John Mark will undergo a sistrunk procedure—during which his cyst will be removed—at our medical partner's care center, Silliman University Medical Center. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is asking for $1,464 to fund John Mark's hospital and physician fees. "We are thankful as parents that our child will be treated. We have been praying for this since he was diagnosed," says John Mark's mother. "Thank you so much for your desire to help us."

Flor is a 49-year-old woman from the Philippines. She is a community health worker. She enjoys doing household chores and loves working with children. Six years ago, Flor was diagnosed with a cervical leiomyoma, a condition in which a benign tumor exists in the cervix. Because of her condition, Flor feels easily fatigued and dizzy, which affects her daily activities. Since learning about her condition, Flor has also been experiencing insomnia, as she is very worried about the future of her nephew, niece, and parents. Recently, Flor was advised to undergo surgery. Flor and her family, however, cannot afford the cost of treatment. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $1,500 to cover hospital fees, medications, and labor costs. On March 1, Flor will be receiving a hysterectomy, a surgery in which a part or all of the uterus is removed. After the surgery, Flor will finally be able to work to support her family. "When I will be well, I will look for better ways to support my family and work to support my niece and nephew's education," Flor says. "My life will serve as evidence that anything is possible if you are really determined and persevere.​ Thank you so much in advance for the help."

Benita is a 55-year-old mother of four who stays home and cares for her grandchildren while her children are at work. She prepares meals for the whole family and does chores. She lives in the Philippines. After the birth of her fourth child, Benita experienced difficulty swallowing and a heavy feeling in her chest. She avoided seeking care because she knew the cost would be a burden on her family. Over time, her condition has gotten worse, and she now has a lump on her neck that is tender and painful. She has had this condition for six years. After a series of lab tests, Benita was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, a thyroid condition in which the gland is swollen and produces excess hormones. She needs surgery to remove her thyroid gland and prevent her symptoms from getting worse. The cost of Benita's surgery, scheduled for February 8, is $1,500. Her husband works as a farm laborer and cannot afford this procedure, so they are seeking help from Watsi. "I really don't deserve this kind of blessing, but I am very grateful that I was given a privilege to be treated," Benita says. "Though we are not that rich, the simple joy and happiness given by my family, especially my grandchildren, are more than enough for a lifetime. This gift was just a bonus in my life, and I am thankful that you are giving me a chance to enjoy life more."

Samantha is a sweet five-year-old girl from the Philippines. She is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom now attend school. Samantha is in the care of her mother and currently attends a day care center in their town. Since she was born, Samantha has had a cleft palate, a facial malformation that causes openings or splits in the roof of the mouth and lip. Her condition makes everyday living difficult, and Samantha has difficulty breathing and swallowing food. Her mother has stopped working in order to care for her daughter. Samantha is a playful child, but her condition makes her feel shy. Her family has tried to save money for treatment, but doing so has been difficult. Fortunately, our medical partner's community outreach team found and screened Samantha. She is now scheduled for a repair surgery on January 25. This procedure will allow Samantha to breathe and eat easily and will increase her confidence. Samantha's father works as a bus conductor. However, his income is barely enough to sustain them. For this reason, our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $1,088 to fund the treatment. "I am happy that at last Samantha could get treated," says Samantha's mother. "We are really close to her healing right now...Samantha is a sweet girl and has big dreams, but she cannot reach them if she does not have confidence. This operation will give Samantha hope for a good future. As a mother, my greatest desire is to see my children well and succeed someday. Thank you for this chance that you've given. May you be blessed."

Meet Krysa, a second grade student from the Philippines. She has lived with her grandparents since she was three years old. Krysa was born with a cleft lip. In the past, she underwent a cleft lip repair, but her lip was left scarred. As her grandparents do not work, they have been unable to afford the medical fees for Krysa to undergo another surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), will help Krysa. She is set to undergo surgery to repair her cleft lip on January 17. ICM is requesting $1,088 to fund Krysa's surgery. Krysa's grandmother is excited for the outcome of the surgery. She says, "This surgery will help her have the confidence to face people and reach her dreams."

Agapita is a 59-year-old woman who lives with her husband and son in the Philippines. For the past 20 years, she has lived with a mass on her neck, which causes her difficulty swallowing and occasional pain. She has also experienced blurry vision. Her symptoms continue to worsen, which has made working difficult. Recently, Agapita was screened and diagnosed with a thyroid goiter, which means that part of her thyroid gland is enlarged. Doctors will surgically remove the goiter on January 13. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $1,500 to fund her surgery and hospital stay. Agapita and her husband are farmers. She is looking forward to recovery, so that she can work and support her son's education. "This will really mean a lot to me and my family," says Agapita. "After the surgery, I am planning to help my husband to supplement our income and let my son go back to school again. Thank you so much in advance for all your help, and may you be blessed more and more."

Lester is a 12-year-old student and older brother from the Philippines. He has experienced painful abdominal symptoms since he was a baby. Although he loves to play outdoors, the pain sometimes prevents him from doing so. Persistent symptoms have caused Lester to miss long periods of school. Lester's parents work as laborers on a nearby farm, but their income is limited. They could not afford to bring Lester to a doctor. Fortunately, our medical partner, International Care Ministries, visited their community. Lester's parents took the opportunity to get Lester a medical consultation and laboratory tests. Lester was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition in which intestinal tissue protrudes through the groin. He is scheduled to undergo a repair surgery on January 11. After surgery, Lester will return to school full-time and resume his childhood. The surgery will cost $1,098. Your donation will help pay for the surgeon's fees, one night stay in the hospital, the use of an operating theater, and medication. "We are so blessed that Lester was given a chance to be treated," says Lester's mother. "He is a good child and an industrious one. He is very loving to us, his parents. He really deserves this treatment, but because of our financial status we cannot afford the surgery. Thank you for helping us and my son."

Lyndina is a married 48-year-old woman with children. She loves to listen to the radio and garden when her symptoms aren't acting up. Those symptoms, which started eight years ago, include difficulty swallowing when she eats, swelling in the neck area, and a hoarse voice. She has a hard time eating, shouting, and lifting heavy objects. Household chores tire her easily. Lyndina was screened as part of a community screening process. She was diagnosed with a surgically treatable thyroid goiter, and was thrilled to hear that her surgery would be sponsored. She says, "I am thankful and overwhelmed that my surgery will be sponsored by people who had generous hearts to help. I am happy that at last I will be operated. Thank you so much for your generosity." On February 22, she will undergo thyroid surgery. Our medical partner is requesting $1,500 to fund the costs of the procedure and round-trip travel.