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Irenea is a 60-year-old grandmother from the Philippines who needs $826 to fund a surgery to remove her gallbladder to cure her health problems.

Irenea
46%
  • $387 raised, $439 to go
$387
raised
$439
to go
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December 15, 2022

Irenea is a 60-year woman from the Philippines. She takes care of her grandchildren and helps with household chores. Her daughter, a vendor, and her son-in-law, a baker, support the family financially.

In February 2022, Irenea began to experience troubling symptoms, including intermittent fever and episodes of blood in the urine. She sought a medical checkup and underwent an ultrasound test. The test revealed that she was suffering from gallstones. She opted to take medicine in the hopes that it would cure her condition. Unfortunately, her condition seemed to worsen over time.

Irenea has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future.

After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Irenea is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on December 16th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $826 to cover the cost of Irenea’s surgery and care.

“This treatment is almost impossible for our mother to receive. Our financial resources are insufficient, so we’re incapable to pay for her hospital bill,” Irenea’s daughter shared tearfully. “To WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines, thank you for this early Christmas gift! Our family is so happy to be one of your beneficiaries,” she added.

Irenea is a 60-year woman from the Philippines. She takes care of her grandchildren and helps with household chores. Her daughter, a vendor,...

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Irenea's Timeline

  • December 15, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • December 16, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Irenea 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.

  • December 21, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Irenea's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Irenea is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

Funded by 11 donors

Funded by 11 donors

Treatment
Cholecystectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $826 for Irenea's treatment
Hospital Fees
$91
Medical Staff
$214
Medication
$91
Supplies
$284
Labs
$66
Radiology
$11
Other
$69
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Symptoms of cholecystitis may include severe pain in the upper right abdomen or center of your abdomen, pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back, and tenderness above your abdomen.

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

The inability to predict when an attack of pain would occur will lead to the patients’ feelings of uncertainty and worry. Decreases in function levels at home and at work are common. Some patients have significant weight loss due to the fear of excruciating pain arising after eating.

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

With surgical care becoming increasingly expensive, individuals with cholecystitis tend to put off surgery to focus on the daily needs of their family, which increases the risk for gallbladder rupture and other complications.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The gallbladder will be surgically removed.

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

Patients spend two or three days in the hospital recovering. Once at home, it may take four to six weeks to fully recover. After recovery, patients can resume their normal day-to-day activities and without the pain they previously had.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Complications that may arise include pain, fever higher than 38.3 degrees Celsius, vomiting that won't subside, foul-smelling or bloody drainage from the incision, or significant redness and swelling of the incision.

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 only within limited regions in the country, including the capital city. World Surgical Foundation Philippines programs are known throughout the country so patients come from within Manila and other regions.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Patients may resort to natural remedies, such as gallbladder cleanses consisting of a blend of fruit juice, herbs, and oil. Others may also use apple cider vinegar instead of proper treatment to help their condition.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.