Martina is a 56-year-old woman from Guatemala. She recently received abnormal results on a pap smear and a Watsi-funded colposcopy, a possible indicator of cervical cancer.
On December 12, Martina underwent a cone biopsy. During this procedure, doctors remove tissue from the cervix to test it for cell abnormality. In many cases, this procedure is curative, removing all abnormal cells. If not, the results will determine if Martina needs further treatment. While cervical cancer is a dangerous condition, it is also relatively treatable when caught early.
Martina is an entrepreneur, mother, and wife. During Guatemala’s civil war, she relocated her family to escape the violence in her rural hometown. Now, she lives with her husband, and she sells goods in a nearby store. Martina cannot afford healthcare, so our medical partner is requesting $471 to fund this procedure.
“I hope it is nothing bad,” says Martina, “but above all else I am very grateful for the support.”