April 15, 2024
How Tzu Chi’s Compassion Transforms Lives: Stories of Hope from Sultan Kudarat Surgical Mission
By Ben Baquilod
The Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen believes that illness is one of the primary causes of poverty. Since its inception in 1966, medical assistance has been a cornerstone of Tzu Chi’s charitable endeavors. By addressing the healthcare needs of those in need, Tzu Chi aims to break the cycle of poverty, embodying its mission to spread compassion and alleviate human suffering.
During Tzu Chi Philippines’ 262nd medical mission in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, held from April 4 to 6, seventy patients underwent surgical procedures, bringing hope to individuals battling life-threatening illnesses. Among them was 36-year-old Pedro Piagoda Jr. who sought treatment for his hernia at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital.
Pedro’s life has been marked by adversity from birth. His twin brother died from his mother’s womb, while he survived and was born prematurely at 6 months and 3 weeks. He has battled allergies since childhood, exacerbated by stress in adulthood. Despite his health challenges, Pedro's faith remained steadfast, leading him to embrace full-time ministry as a pastor in 2014. He was passionately living his life until more illnesses struck him during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As he developed hypertension, worsening allergies, and a weakened heart, Pedro also endured frequent episodes of shortness of breath and palpitations. Additionally, he developed a hernia, a tear in the muscle or tissue that causes bulging of internal organs or intestines, typically in the groin area. These health challenges led to recurrent hospital visits, forced him to resign from his work at the church, and depleted his savings. "I almost died," Pedro admitted.
With no source of income, Pedro relied on the kindness and generosity of his friends and churchmates for his food and continued medication. Recently, he decided to stop conventional medicines, opting instead for herbal supplements and adopting a healthier diet. While these changes led to improved health, his hernia continues to significantly affect his day-to-day living. “It’s difficult when I lift heavy things, and riding a tricycle or motorcycle is especially painful, “he shared. Surgery remains his only hope, but the cost exceeds his financial capacity.
When Pedro learned about Tzu Chi's free surgical mission and successfully passed the screening, he cried tears of joy. From the initial screening to the recovery phase, he was deeply moved by the compassionate care provided by the doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and Tzu Chi volunteers. "Your efforts and patience mean the world to us. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and truly feel the depth of your care for us patients," Pedro expressed tearfully.
Similar sentiments of gratitude were echoed by Myrna Tanuhay, who underwent goiter removal. As a housewife caring for her five children while her husband works as a farmer in Tupi, South Cotabato, they earn just enough to cover basic necessities and their children's education. Struggling with goiter for 35 years, Myrna faced not only health challenges but also a blow to her self-esteem due to the noticeable bulge on her neck. “I want my goiter operated because when people look at us, they don’t look at our face. It makes us feel small,” she said.
Despite concerns from her children about her age, Myrna remained resolute in her decision to undergo the operation. “If you have faith in God, nothing can go wrong,” she affirmed. “Right now, I am entrusting my life to God,” she said moments she entered the operating room.
Reflecting on the kindness of Tzu Chi volunteers and doctors, Myrna remarked, "What they're doing for us is incredibly noble. We arrived here with nothing in our pockets, and then they welcomed us with open arms."
The heartfelt gratitude of patients like Pedro and Myrna is what ignites the hearts of Tzu Chi volunteers, who traveled hundreds of miles to offer aid, marking the first mission of its kind in Sultan Kudarat. To provide medical assistance, volunteers had to take a two-hour flight to General Santos City and another two-hour ride to Isulan, Kudarat. “This is exactly what Master Cheng Yen wants us to do. If the poor cannot come to us, we go to them,” said Dr. Anton Mari Lim, Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO and Tzu Chi Zamboanga Liaison Office Coordinator.
“We’re changing not just the life of one person, but the whole family,” Dr. Anton added. “We are only sacrificing a little of our time here. But the impact of this on the patients will last for a lifetime.”
"Your efforts and patience mean the world to us. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and truly feel the depth of your care for us patients," Pedro Piagoda Jr. says of his experience with Tzu Chi’s medical mission. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Pedro Piagoda Jr. carefully lies down on the operating table with the help of TIMA volunteer doctors. 【Photo by Ben Baquilod】
TIMA doctors, led by Dr. Josefino Qua, perform hernia surgery on Pedro Piagoda Jr. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Pedro Piagoda Jr. happily strikes a pose on the camera a day after his surgery at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital. 【Photo by Ben Baquilod】
A TIMA volunteer doctor checks in on a child patient in the recovery room a day after his surgery. 【Photo by Ben Baquilod】
“I want my goiter operated because when people look at us, they don’t look at our face. It makes us feel small,” says Myrna Tanuhay, who has lived with goiter for 35 years. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Volunteers work together to transfer Myrna Tanuhay to the operating table. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
“If you have faith in God, nothing can go wrong,” Myrna Tanuhay says, moments before she enters the operating room. “Right now, I am entrusting my life to God.” 【Photo by Ben Baquilod】
Nurses from the Sultan Kudarat State University provides attentive care to a young patient at the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
A day after her surgery, Myrna Tanuhay shows signs of vitality at the special post-surgery send-off program organized by Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteers. 【Photo by Ben Baquilod】
At the send-off program, patients are served breakfast and receive gifts and recovery advice from doctors. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
A patient receives a red envelope (angpao), a commemorative token from the Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen. 【Photo by Ben Baquilod】
A patient gets emotional as she thanks Tzu Chi volunteers and doctors at the Sultan Kudarat Medical Mission. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
“We’re changing not just the life of one person, but the whole family,” says Dr. Anton Mari Lim. “We are only sacrificing a little of our time here. But the impact of this on the patients will last for a lifetime.” 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Patients pose for a group photo with Tzu Chi volunteers at the special post-surgery send-off program. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】