Bayanihan: Mission Fund Campaign

Save lives and prevent disabilities by supporting our efforts to deliver vital surgeries to underserved communities.

Dear family and friends,

This year, I've been given the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2026 Bayanihan Medical Mission with Health Assistance and Network Development–Philippines. In Bohol, a disaster-hit rural province, the median yearly family income is only $1,770. Major elective surgeries like hernia repairs and cholecystectomies cost over $1,500, and cataract surgery around $1,000, making them unaffordable for many. Medical complications from treatable conditions lead to preventable deaths and disabilities in working-age men and women, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

In April 2026, a team of volunteer doctors and nurses will provide major elective and cataract surgeries at no cost to indigent patients. Accompanying this team will be various non-medical professionals, including students and youth volunteers such as myself. As I am currently studying social work and pursuing my goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker, this experience would be a very meaningful step in my personal and professional journey. Attending this mission would provide me with valuable hands-on experience serving vulnerable communities, understanding real-world needs, and learning how to support others with empathy and cultural understanding. Being able to work directly with local communities will broaden my understanding of global social issues and equip me with skills and insights that I can carry with me for the rest of my career in social work.

I am asking for your support in making this opportunity possible. Thanks to partnerships, HAND-Philippines has drastically reduced costs from over 1,000 to just around $250 per surgery. We plan to perform 275 of these procedures in one mission trip, changing 275 lives for the better. Any donations will go directly towards the mission, including hospital fees, medications, and supplies.

On a special note, I will be celebrating my 20th birthday overseas while participating in this mission, and I cannot think of a better birthday gift than being able to contribute to this life-changing work. Your support will not only help me take part in the mission, but it will also directly improve the health and well-being of people who otherwise could not afford these surgeries. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me closer to making a real difference in the lives of those in need. 

Thank you for helping make this experience possible and for being part of a journey that will impact both my growth as a future social worker and the lives of the communities we serve.

With love,

Mila

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