Meet Merlina, a 48-year-old mother of three who lives in the Philippines. Merlina is a housewife and also works with her daughter to sell barbecue for additional income.
20 years ago, Merlina began to experience goiter symptoms after having her third child. Her enlarged thyroid gland causes daily discomfort and makes it difficult for Merlina to swallow. Merlina visited our medical partner, International Care Ministries, where she was diagnosed and advised to undergo a thyroidectomy.
Merlina’s thyroid will be removed on May 17. The care center requests $1,222 for the procedure.
Merlina is unable to fund the surgery, but wishes to return to a normal life without pain and discomfort.
She says, “Twenty years is long enough. I want to end this condition I have right now. This is a big hindrance to my desires and the things I want to do. I hope and pray you will continue your support.”