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Success! Perlisa from the Philippines raised $826 to fund removal of her gallbladder so she can live pain free.

Perlisa
100%
  • $826 raised, $0 to go
$826
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Perlisa's treatment was fully funded on February 6, 2023.

Photo of Perlisa post-operation

February 13, 2023

Perlisa underwent removal of her gallbladder so she can live pain-free.

Perlisa’s surgery was successful! She’s excited to fully recover and so eager to find a job to support her family.

Perlisa shared, “We are so blessed to be one of the beneficiaries. With our financial status, I can’t have this surgery, but you made it possible. Thank you so much Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines.”

Perlisa's surgery was successful! She's excited to fully recover and so eager to find a job to support her family. Perlisa shared, "We ar...

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September 7, 2022

Perlisa is a 34-year-old, full-time mother of two sons and one daughter, living in the Philippines. Her partner is a construction worker, with only limited earnings to support the family.

In 2020, Perlisa began to experience a broad constellation of symptoms, ranging from weight loss and extreme fatigue, to chest pain and shortness of breath, a bloated stomach and back pain. After undergoing an ultrasound, it was determined that Perlisa had a gallstone which needed to be surgically removed. Because of a lack of funds, Perlisa delayed her surgery, missed appointments with her doctors, and relied on medications to ease her symptoms.

Ultimately, Perlisa found her way to our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, and they will be able help Perlisa access the care that she needs. On September 10th, Perlisa will undergo surgery to have her gallbladder removed at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Without this procedure, Perlisa’s symptoms could worsen, and she would be at risk for more health complications in the future.

While a portion of the cost of Perlisa’s procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, World Surgical Foundation Philippines is looking to raise the remaining $826 needed to cover the costs of Perlisa’s surgery and care.

“Ive been praying for so long to be treated for my illness. We’re financially incapable to pay for my medical bills. This surgery is an answered prayer.” Perlisa shared. “I’m eternally grateful to WATSI, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, and all the doctors who helped me. May the Lord continue to bless you so that you may be able to help more people,” she added.

Perlisa is a 34-year-old, full-time mother of two sons and one daughter, living in the Philippines. Her partner is a construction worker, wi...

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Perlisa's Timeline

  • September 7, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Perlisa was submitted by Abegail Joy Cervania, Marketing and Communications Officer at World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

  • September 10, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Perlisa received treatment at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Philippines. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • September 11, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Perlisa's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 6, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Perlisa's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 13, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Perlisa's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 20 donors

Funded by 20 donors

Treatment
Cholecystectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $826 for Perlisa's treatment
Hospital Fees
$91
Medical Staff
$214
Medication
$91
Supplies
$284
Labs
$66
Radiology
$11
Other
$69
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Symptoms of cholecystitis may include severe pain in the upper right abdomen or center of your abdomen, pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back, and tenderness above your abdomen.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The inability to predict when an attack of pain would occur will lead to the patients’ feelings of uncertainty and worry. Decreases in function levels at home and at work are common. Some patients have significant weight loss due to the fear of excruciating pain arising after eating.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

With surgical care becoming increasingly expensive, individuals with cholecystitis tend to put off surgery to focus on the daily needs of their family, which increases the risk for gallbladder rupture and other complications.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The gallbladder will be surgically removed.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Patients spend two or three days in the hospital recovering. Once at home, it may take four to six weeks to fully recover. After recovery, patients can resume their normal day-to-day activities and without the pain they previously had.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Complications that may arise include pain, fever higher than 38.3 degrees Celsius, vomiting that won't subside, foul-smelling or bloody drainage from the incision, or significant redness and swelling of the incision.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

The care facility is equipped and accessible to handle this procedure for patients only within limited regions in the country, including the capital city. World Surgical Foundation Philippines programs are known throughout the country so patients come from within Manila and other regions.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Patients may resort to natural remedies, such as gallbladder cleanses consisting of a blend of fruit juice, herbs, and oil. Others may also use apple cider vinegar instead of proper treatment to help their condition.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.