Amparo is a 50-year-old woman from the Philippines. She lives with her husband and son. Her family’s main source of income is fishing, and Amparo sells seashells and cooks and sells food to supplement her husband’s income.
Three years ago, Amparo noticed a lump in her throat and began experiencing difficulty swallowing. A physician diagnosed her with a goiter, or benign swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. However, Amparo was unable to afford medical follow-up. Over time, her thyroid has continued to increase in size, causing pain and discomfort and limiting her ability to provide for her family.
On March 13, surgeons at our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), will perform a thyroidectomy procedure to remove some or all of her thyroid gland, helping to resolve the symptoms of goiter. ICM is requesting $923 to cover Amparo’s surgery.
Amparo is grateful for the chance to receive treatment, and looks forward to life after the surgery. She says, “I am thankful that I was given a chance to be treated…After the treatment, I am looking forward to a better life.”