Barsilisa is a 54-year-old homemaker from the Philippines. She is married and has four children, the youngest of whom helps her with her daily household duties. Her husband is a fisherman, and her older children go to school. In her community, she's fondly known as "Barsing."
In 2014, Barsilisa was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. At the time, she took medication to treat it. She had to stop because the medicine was too expensive to buy continuously. As a result, her goiter grew, causing her extreme fatigue, tightening of the neck, and nervousness.
Barsilisa visited our medical partner's care center, where it was determined that Barsilisa's condition cannot be treated with medications. She needs to undergo surgery. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is asking for $489 in funds to cover the cost of Barsilisa's thyroid surgery, hospital stay, and physician's fees. She will undergo surgery on January 31.
Barsilisa is looking forward to being well so she can resume her duties as a mother and wife. "My condition hinders me a lot in doing my responsibilities as a wife and a mother for my children," says Barsilisa. "This operation means a life that is purposeful for me. Thank you so much."