Success! Neo Mark from the Philippines raised $1,098 to fund hernia surgery.

100%

$1,098 raised, $0 to go

$1,098

raised

to go

Neo Mark's story
Neo Mark's update

March 16, 2017

Neo Mark is a happy and active 21-year-old young man who lives in the Philippines. He was able to finish high school and trained for automotive repair. He started working right after school to help provide for his family.

Two years ago, he developed pain in a sensitive area. He was no longer able to work, and he could not lift heavy objects or walk long distances. He was diagnosed with a hernia and advised to have surgery. However, he was not able to undergo the advised treatment due to financial problems.

Now, Neo Mark stays at home with his mother and helps with simple household tasks. For $1,098, we can fund a hernia repair surgery that will correct Neo Mark’s hernia. This will relieve his pain and make it easier for him to work again.

Neo Mark is scheduled for surgery on March 24. With our help, he’ll be able to help support his family once again.

Neo Mark is a happy and active 21-year-old young man who lives in the Philippines. He was able to finish high school and trained for automot...

Photo of Neo Mark post-operation

August 22, 2017

Neo Mark underwent hernia surgery.

Neo Mark has had this condition for a long time. Now that he is healed, he is making new plans for his future. He would like to become a mechanic now that he is no longer prevented from lifting heavy objects.

He says, “I would like to thank God and the people he has used to give me a better life. I have never known a life without my condition and this time I am more excited for what life has ahead of me.”

Neo Mark has had this condition for a long time. Now that he is healed, he is making new plans for his future. He would like to become a mec...

March 16, 2017
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Neo Mark was submitted by Krishiel Ferenal, National Health Officer at International Care Ministries.
March 24, 2017
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Neo Mark received treatment at Silliman University Medical Center 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.
March 30, 2017
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Neo Mark's profile was published to start raising funds.
August 22, 2017
TREATMENT UPDATE
Neo Mark's treatment was successful. Read the update.
August 31, 2017
FULLY FUNDED
Neo Mark's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment

Inguinal Hernia / Hydrocele Repair

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $1,098 for Neo Mark's treatment

Hospital Fees

$267

Medical Staff

$520

Medication

$54

Supplies

Travel

$32

Radiology

Other

$216

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The most common symptoms include a local bulge or swelling and pain or discomfort in the groin. An incarcerated or strangulated hernia can lead to nausea, vomiting, fever, intense pain, and a hernia bulge that turns red, purple, or dark. This condition is life-threatening and needs urgent surgical care.

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

An inguinal hernia causes pain and swelling in the groin. Because these symptoms worsen with activity, this condition can limit a patient's ability to work and participate in daily life. This may have significant financial implications for a household. If a hernia gets stuck outside of the abdominal cavity and the opening around it tightens, it is called a strangulated hernia. This condition can disrupt the blood supply to the tissue and result in death of the tissue. This condition is life-threatening.

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

Hernias and hydroceles are common around the world and are not specific to our medical partner's region.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

In the Philippines, most surgeries for inguinal hernias are conducted under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia is also injected into the incision. Once the medications have taken effect, the anesthetist will insert a tube into the patient's throat to manage his or her breathing. An incision is made in the groin, and the defect in the abdominal wall is identified. The edges of the defect are brought together. A patch of mesh is laid on the repaired section to strengthen the closure. The skin incision is then sutured together, the wound is dressed, and the patient is taken to the recovery area until stable. This surgery typically takes about 30 minutes.

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

After a time of rest and healing, the patient will be able resume normal activities. There is a very small risk that the hernia will reoccur or that another hernia will develop at a different site.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

The surgical repair of an inguinal hernia is simple and effective. The risk of complications is very low.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Most public hospitals in the Philippines offer this surgery. However, even if a family has government insurance, there are significant out-of-pocket costs that make surgery inaccessible for the poorest patients.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

For younger children with congenital inguinal hernias, there is no alternative treatment to surgery. Older patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery may wear a truss, a suspender that provides support to the hernia.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Naw Sha is a 33-year-old mother who lives with her husband, daughter, sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, two nieces, and nephew in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Originally from Karen State, Burma, she fled to Thailand with her family in 2012 due to armed conflict. Currently, she and her sister-in-law are homemakers, while her daughter, nieces and nephew go to school in the refugee camp. Her husband and her brothers-in-law are day laborers. During her free time, Naw Sha enjoys cooking, spending time with her daughter, nieces and nephew, and teaching them Burmese. Naw Sha is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a Caesarean section (C-section) because of her high-risk pregnancy. By delivering with a C-section, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is helping Naw Sha undergo a C-Section on December 8th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Sha needs your support in raising money to fund her care. Naw Sha said, “In the future, if I had an opportunity, I would like to work with a health organization in the refugee camp as a nurse to earn more money to support my family."

Alfred, who is 69 years old, comes from a small village in Uganda. He had to leave school after only a few years of study, and now he and his wife work as small scale farmers. Alfred has been experiencing intermittent swelling in both his right and left inguinal areas for the past year. He went to different clinics, and was given pain medication, but the swelling has persisted. He shared his concerns with his son, who advised him to come to Rwibaale Health Center for an evaluation. As a result of the doctor's examination, Alfred was diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $234 to fund Alfred's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled to take place on February 15th, at Rwibaale Health Centre. After he has recovered from this procedure, Alfred should be able to resume his life, free from his current discomfort. Alfred said: "I hope to get back to my fields after recovery.’’

Priscillah is a happy 5-year-old from Kenya. She has a lively spirit and loves to play with her friends while at home and in school. Priscillah is the second born in a family of four kids. She came to the hospital with her father, who works in construction, and her mother is a homemaker. Four years ago, Priscillah was playing with her friends when she accidentally fell into a fire. She developed burn contracture on her left hand and fingers, which makes her unable to flex her fingers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Priscillah receive treatment. On February 6th, surgeons at AMH's care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery. This surgery will allow Priscillah to be able to use her hands freely and will also boost her self-esteem as she plays with her friends and continues her education. AMH is requesting $840 to fund this procedure. Priscillah’s father shared: "I am looking forward to seeing my daughter fully recovered and using her hand like other children and continuing with her education fully. I will be very happy."

Neo Mark's Timeline

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Funded by 5 donors

Treatment

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.