“I want to be treated and provide for my children until they finish college,” says 40-year-old Marivic, a mother of five from the Philippines who works as a domestic helper to support her family. “Marivic found out that there was an enlargement on her right anterior neck in 2001,” our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), tells us. In 2010, screening tests confirmed that she had an enlarged thyroid, and, ICM reports, “she was advised to continue for another diagnostic procedure and seek medical treatment, but she could not afford another medical procedure.” The thyroid is a gland in the lower neck that produces hormones to regulate the body's metabolism. An enlarged thyroid (goiter) begins as a lump or swelling at the front of the neck and can become large enough to obstruct nearby structures and cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. More than 90 percent of goiters in the Philippines are due to a deficiency of iodine, an important element in the body's production of thyroid hormones. Treatment for Marivic is a thyroidectomy, a surgical procedure in which doctors remove the thyroid gland. $1500 covers the cost of the surgery, as well as transportation to and from the hospital, 10 days of hospital care, and medication. ICM says, “After the operation, Marivic can uphold her family of five children more efficiently.” Marivic shares, “I am hopeful that there will be people who could help me with my treatment.”

Meet Chamreun, a 38-year-old woman from Cambodia. “Chamreun is unmarried and works as a cleaner at a company,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) shares. “She spends her free time watching social news on TV and doing housework.” Chamreun recently developed cataracts in her eyes. “This causes her blurred vision, irritation, and she is afraid of sunshine,” CSC explains. Cataracts develop as proteins form on the lens of the eye and make it cloudy. As a result, she is now unable to see clearly, do her work, or go outside on her own. If left untreated, her cataracts will become more prominent and continue to impair her vision. For $225, Chamreun will receive surgery to replace her clouded lenses. Doctors will make a small incision to remove the clouded lens and implant a new, artificial lens. The operation lasts about 45 minutes and Chamreun will be fully recovered soon thereafter. With the new lenses, Chamreun will be able to see everything clearly again. Chamreun looks forward to what this surgery will do for her, and has travelled two hours with her cousin to reach CSC. “I hope I can see everything clearly again, so I can do my job well and find other work, like selling water and coconut to earn money to support my family as well as be able to go anywhere outside,” she shares.