Maria is a mother of three from the Philippines. She was a licensed teacher, but now devotes her time to caring for her children at home. Her husband is a teacher and is the family’s main source of income. Her eldest child now lives separately, while the other two are still in school. Maria primarily cares for her youngest child, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and is now undergoing therapy. She has been unemployed for the past six years, focusing on her child’s needs.
Three months ago, Maria began to experience troubling symptoms, including difficulty with bowel movements, occasional bleeding, and frequent swelling.. She was diagnosed with mixed hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Her illness has affected her ability to perform household chores due to frequent pain. At times, she struggles to sleep at night because of the discomfort.
Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Maria receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on August 8th. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Maria’s procedure and care.
Maria shared, “I express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who helps those who cannot afford medical procedures, like us. This gives me the determination to seek help from such organizations, knowing that there are many willing to extend assistance to those in need.”