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Maribeth is a caring mother from the Philippines who needs $890 to fund thyroidectomy surgery.

Maribeth
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  • $484 raised, $406 to go
$484
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$406
to go
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November 10, 2022

Maribeth is a caring mother from the Philippines. She’s a full-time mom to her three children, while her husband works as a grinder.

In May 2022, Maribeth began to experience troubling symptoms, including fatigue, trembling hands, and masses on her neck that were growing in size. These symptoms prevent her from being able to take care of her children and do her daily chores. Maribeth sought a medical checkup, where doctors told her to undergo a neck ultrasound and biopsy. Her results indicated that she is experiencing a multiple colloid adenomatous goiter. This condition occurs when tumor formation occurs, caused by an overgrowth of thyroid tissue cells. Maribeth needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening.

Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Maribeth receive treatment. On November 11th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at WSFP’s hospital. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of her treatment, and WSFP is raising $890 to cover the remaining cost of Maribeth’s procedure and care.

Maribeth says, “This free surgery is a big help for me because we don’t have enough money to pay for my bills. To all the hospital staff who are helping me, to WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines, thank you! May God bless you, and may you help more people in need.”

Maribeth is a caring mother from the Philippines. She's a full-time mom to her three children, while her husband works as a grinder. ...

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Maribeth's Timeline

  • November 10, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • November 11, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Maribeth was scheduled to receive 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.

  • November 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Maribeth's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Maribeth is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Maribeth's treatment update from World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

Funded by 20 donors

Funded by 20 donors

Treatment
Thyroidectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $890 for Maribeth's treatment
Hospital Fees
$91
Medical Staff
$214
Medication
$28
Supplies
$338
Labs
$97
Radiology
$11
Other
$111
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

People with a goiter often have an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland which can lead to the appearance of a mass or swelling in the neck. The signs and symptoms of goiter can vary and may include tiredness, a decrease or increase in weight, low or increased appetite, depression, dryness of skin and hair, sleepiness, diarrhea or constipation and menstrual irregularities (for women).

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

Living with a goiter limits the patient's physical activities, due to soreness or tiredness, frequent coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. If untreated, this could lead to the detrimental reduction of overall capacity and even death among susceptible patients.

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

Especially when left untreated, people with a goiter can tend to be socially excluded from their communities, due to the stigma against people with physical deformities. These may be in the form of lack of employment opportunities, loss of connection with peers, even family, discrimination based on false beliefs on physical deformities (e.g. generational curses because of slights against higher beings).

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The surgical team at the care center facility will safely remove the mass in the patient's neck.

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

If there are no complications after the procedure, the patient will be prescribed thyroid hormone replacement medication to avoid hypothyroidism. Patient are expected to make a full recovery and live a healthy and better future.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Potential side effects of the surgery include bleeding, infection, hypoparathyroidism, or permanent hoarse or weak voice due to nerve damage.

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 within or who are able to travel to the National Capital Region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Patients experiencing a goiter often look for medications such as aspirin or corticosteroid infused capsules that will help stabilize the growth or swelling.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Peter

Peter is a 5th grade student from Kenya. He is an only child being raised by his single mother, who works as a hotel waitress earning about $70 per month. The family also has a small tea plantation in their ancestral home, but are unable to raise the funds needed for Peter's surgery. Peter has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Peter has been experiencing difficulty in holding things and walking. The condition has affected his appearance, with a change in the color of his eyes. Over time, he has developed urine and stool incontinence. His worried mom decided to seek treatment from several hospitals. Doctors determined that Peter needs a special surgery that will relieve pressure from the skull. Without treatment, Peter will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Peter. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 11th, and will drain the excess fluid from Peter's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Peter will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Peter’s mother says, “Peter has been sickly and has been missing school for almost a year now. This condition is affecting his school life. He needs this treatment to recover and go back to school.”

34% funded

34%funded
$248raised
$472to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Peter

Peter is a 5th grade student from Kenya. He is an only child being raised by his single mother, who works as a hotel waitress earning about $70 per month. The family also has a small tea plantation in their ancestral home, but are unable to raise the funds needed for Peter's surgery. Peter has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Peter has been experiencing difficulty in holding things and walking. The condition has affected his appearance, with a change in the color of his eyes. Over time, he has developed urine and stool incontinence. His worried mom decided to seek treatment from several hospitals. Doctors determined that Peter needs a special surgery that will relieve pressure from the skull. Without treatment, Peter will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Peter. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 11th, and will drain the excess fluid from Peter's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Peter will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Peter’s mother says, “Peter has been sickly and has been missing school for almost a year now. This condition is affecting his school life. He needs this treatment to recover and go back to school.”

34% funded

34%funded
$248raised
$472to go