As a mother of five, Michelle’s primary concern is the health and wellbeing of her children. With her husband planting bananas, corn, and other crops, their family income is limited.

Michelle is a 38-year-old mother, belonging to the Matigsalug tribe, who lives in a small village at the foot of a mountain in Bukidnon. She has five children, and her youngest son, Frederick, is only 9 years old.

Frederick had been feeling sick for almost a week with a persistent fever, colds, and cough, and Michelle was worried. The hospital was an hour away, and the fees for medical checkups were costly.

Despite her and her husband’s efforts, money was always tight, and they struggled to make ends meet.

“The truth is, I would rather pay for food than access healthcare facilities,” Michelle confessed, “but I couldn’t stand to see my son suffer,” she added.

Michelle had heard Operation Blessing’s Medical Brigade that was being held in their town, and she knew that this was her chance to have Frederick checked up without worrying about the cost.

It was a ray of hope for her and her son, and she was determined to make the most of it.

When they arrived at the site, Michelle was relieved to see that there were many doctors and nurses available to help. They took Frederick’s vital signs and examined his chest and throat.

After the checkup, the doctor gave Frederick some medicine and advised Michelle to monitor his condition. They explained that the boy had a common cold and cough, but he should be feeling better soon.

In addition to the medical check-up, Michelle had a chance to have her teeth checked and extracted for free, something that she had been wanting to do for a long time.

“I am truly grateful for the care that my son received and for the opportunity to have my teeth extracted,” Michelle said, knowing they could never have afforded this kind of medical care on their own.

Help us reach more tribal kababayans by supporting our HEALTHCARE programs! Go to www.operationblessing.ph for more details.