A Life Saved! One Patient’s Story

Maria (name has been changed to protect privacy) came to our mobile clinic with sharp pain in her abdomen. She actually knew what she had: a gallstone. She had been to the emergency room the day before, but unlike you and me, she didn’t have health insurance to pay for the procedure to remove it. There was no way she could afford the expensive hospital bill all on her own! So she just went home.

The next day, when we had our TMI mobile medical clinic in her community, Dr. Nathalie, one of our amazing TMI team members, talked with Maria and heard her story. Dr. Nathalie used the ultrasound machine TMI had purchased a few years ago to discover that the large gallstone had moved and was lodged in her bile duct, which made it far more dangerous. It needed to be removed IMMEDIATELY.

She told Maria and explained how important it was to be removed right away. Maria began to cry. There was no way she could afford the procedure! What could be done? Dr. Nathalie called over one of the Peruvian doctors to see if she knew a solution. And she did! The Peruvian doctor recommended a different hospital that was much more affordable!

What a beautiful picture of the partnership between our TMI team members and the Peruvian doctors! Through their teamwork, Maria received an ultrasound, an updated diagnosis, and a recommendation for affordable treatment!

Before sending Maria on her way, our team members prayed with her. This was a serious health condition, and Maria was afraid and worried. Maria was incredibly grateful for the spiritual and emotional support during this scary time.

Thank you for being part of Maria’s story – a life saved! Because of your prayer and support, we are able to send teams to bring HOPE and HEALING to those who need it most.