After years of feeling like he didn’t fit in, Marjun Gaddi finally found his place in his community. And it all started with a free surgical mission that changed his life forever.

Growing up poor, Marjun’s clubfoot condition only added to his challenges. He didn’t have access to the medical care he needed, and his condition had caused him to be bullied in school. His classmates would make fun of him for not being able to wear shoes properly, and he would often feel embarrassed and alone.

In 2016, Operation Blessing partnered with the Philippine-American Association in Connecticut (PAAC), organized by our volunteer doctor in the US, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) to conduct its Foreign Surgical Mission in Cebu. His parents jumped at the opportunity, and then-17-year-old Marjun underwent the surgery with hope in his heart.

The surgery was a success, and for the first time in his life, Marjun could walk and run like normal people do. He could finally wear shoes without feeling ashamed. The surgery had given him the confidence he had always lacked.

Four years later, Marjun decided to join the campus ministry. He met like-minded individuals who shared his faith and values, and he finally felt like he had found a community where he belonged. His passion for helping others grew, and he decided to pursue a career in teaching.

In 2022, he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Leyte Normal University. And while he reviews for the Licensure Examination for Teachers, Marjun takes a job in an Inventory Management Department of a local food franchise.

“If you want to achieve something, go through the process even if it is very difficult; that is when you will appreciate victory when you surpass the challenges to achieve it,” said Marjun, reflecting on his life experience.

Now, Marjun uses his own experiences to motivate and encourage others to be their best selves, and he knows that he’s making a difference in their lives, just as the volunteer doctors made a difference in his.

From feeling like an outcast to becoming an inspiration, Marjun’s story is one of hope and determination in the face of adversity. Thank YOU for helping us make life-changing encounters happen! For ways to support our mission, visit www.operationblessing.ph or contact 09399215543 or 09189067753 for more details.