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Juanita is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines who needs $935 to fund a thyroidectomy to treat cancer.

Juanita
33%
  • $315 raised, $620 to go
$315
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$620
to go
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January 5, 2023

Juanita is a 75-year-old woman from Philippines. She manages a small business for a living, and she lives with her daughter who works as a house helper.

In August 2022, Juanita began experiencing troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, excessive sweating, and sudden weight loss. She underwent a series of tests and was diagnosed with follicular thyroid carcinoma. This is the second most common cancer of the thyroid, characterized by an encapsulated tumor on the thyroid gland. She requires surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening.

Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Juanita receive treatment. On January 7th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at WSFP’s care center, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Juanita needs help raising the remaining $935 to cover the full cost of her procedure and care.

Juanita shared, “this surgery is a big relief to me and my family. Though our relatives are extending financial assistance, still it wasn’t enough to pay for my treatment. We don’t know where else to ask for help, so thank you WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines!”

Juanita is a 75-year-old woman from Philippines. She manages a small business for a living, and she lives with her daughter who works as a h...

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Juanita's Timeline

  • January 5, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 7, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Juanita 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.

  • January 9, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Juanita's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Juanita is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Thyroidectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $935 for Juanita's treatment
Hospital Fees
$159
Medical Staff
$214
Medication
$30
Supplies
$328
Labs
$70
Radiology
$11
Other
$123
  • 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.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.