Amid persistent gaps in healthcare access across remote communities, SM Foundation is bridging the divide through its long-running medical mission program having served more than 1.3 million patients in over 1,700 missions nationwide.
Strengthened with a fleet of six mobile clinics, the foundation brings free medical care directly to grassroots communities. The roving clinics open its doors to provide free consultations, laboratory tests, and even minor surgical procedures in areas where hospitals remain hours away.
For Lenny Cabral-Anciado of Batangas, one of those missions became a turning point in her nephew’s life and where the sight of the SM Foundation’s mobile clinic brought a sense of calm and hope.
Lenny has been the primary guardian of David , whom she has raised and loved as her own child. “Kahit po siya ay pamangkin ko lamang, itinuring ko na po siyang tunay kong anak. Sa kanya na po umikot ang buhay namin magasawa,” she shared, recounting why she was willing to sacrifice a lot for the young boy.
Amid the pandemic, both Lenny and her husband lost their tourism-related jobs. As finances grew tighter, so did the uncertainty about David’s growing health concern—a lump behind his ear that became increasingly painful as he turned six.
The SM Foundation Mobile Clinic opens its doors to provide free consultations, laboratory tests, and even minor surgical procedures in areas where hospitals remain hours away.
“Ilang albularyo na po ang pinuntahan namin, wala naman pong nangyari. Nanghingi po ako ng second opinion sa mga doctor,” she recalled. However, the cost of surgery proved daunting. “Kung hindi po dahil sa medical mission, baka po hindi po siya naoperahan o ‘di kaya’y gagastos po ako ng napaka laking halaga.”
With only a tricycle or motorcycle as transport, the hour-long journey to and from the nearest hospital was another hurdle. But hope arrived through their community. Her neighbors, who were also SM Foundation volunteers, referred David’s case to the organization.
The foundation, through its mobile clinic, facilitated a free minor surgery for David. Lenny vividly remembers the moment she was informed that the procedure would cost nothing.
“Umiyak po ako sa sobrang galak. Sobrang tuwa ko po napaiyak po ako sa doktor noon kasi hindi na po kami gagastos ng malaking halaga,” she said, voice trembling with gratitude.
SM Foundation’s resident doctor not only conducted the operation but also provided post-operation instructions and the necessary medicines and vitamins to help aid David’s full recovery.
Today, David is back in school, now a Grade 1 student. “Yung pera pong gagamitin ko po sa pagpapa-opera sana kay David ay nailaan na po namin para sa kanyang pag-aaral at sa pang araw-araw na gastos.”
With David’s improved condition, Lenny’s family feels at peace, able to focus on their work and give David a full, hopeful childhood.
More importantly, he’s back to being a cheerful and energetic child. “Gumaan na po ang kanyang pakiramdam. Dati, hindi ko po siya gaanong pinapalaro o pinatatakbo. Ngayon, mas masigla na po siya at lahat po ng laro ay nalalaro na niya,” Lenny smiled.
With David’s condition resolved, Lenny and her family have found renewed peace of mind. Freed from the constant worry over his health, they are now able to focus on sustaining their livelihood and ensuring David enjoys the full experience of a healthy, hopeful childhood.
Discover more social good stories here: www.sm-foundation.org.
With a fleet of six mobile clinics, the foundation delivers free medical care directly to underserved communities. In photo: A mobile clinic sets off from SM City Tuguegarao en route to downstream Cagayan.
