Western Visayas Medical Center

Vicky is a 34-year-old mother from the Philippines. She lives with her husband and two children. During the day, she does chores, cooks, and look after her children. A while ago, Vicky began experiencing nervousness, feelings of choking, and difficulty swallowing. She was recently diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It was recommended that she undergo a thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of her thyroid, to prevent her symptoms from progressing. Vicky is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove her thyroid on July 5. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $923 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. "I am hoping that my condition is curable and it will be treated through surgery. I am looking forward to living a normal life again after this treatment," Vicky says.

Amparo is a 50-year-old woman from the Philippines. She lives with her husband and son. Her family's main source of income is fishing, and Amparo sells seashells and cooks and sells food to supplement her husband's income. Three years ago, Amparo noticed a lump in her throat and began experiencing difficulty swallowing. A physician diagnosed her with a goiter, or benign swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. However, Amparo was unable to afford medical follow-up. Over time, her thyroid has continued to increase in size, causing pain and discomfort and limiting her ability to provide for her family. On March 13, surgeons at our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), will perform a thyroidectomy procedure to remove some or all of her thyroid gland, helping to resolve the symptoms of goiter. ICM is requesting $923 to cover Amparo's surgery. Amparo is grateful for the chance to receive treatment, and looks forward to life after the surgery. She says, "I am thankful that I was given a chance to be treated...After the treatment, I am looking forward to a better life."