When Lenny Cabral-Anciado and her husband lost their tourism-related jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic, a health concern of their young nephew became worrisome due to their tight finance. The lump behind the ear of six-year-old David became increasingly painful and his primary guardians, who have treated him as their son, needed to bring him to a doctor.

“We went to several traditional healers but nothing happened. I asked for a second opinion from doctors,” Cabral-Anciado recalled. However, the cost of surgery proved daunting.

Where the family live in a remote community in Batangas added to the distress. With only a tricycle or motorcycle as transport, the hour-long journey to and from the nearest hospital was another hurdle.

Fortunately, SM Foundation’s mobile clinic arrived in time for its medical outreach.

Its doctors and volunteers facilitated a free minor surgery for David.

Lenny vividly remembers the moment she was informed that the procedure would cost nothing.

“I shed tears of joy. I was so happy that I cried before the doctor back then because we don’t need to spend anymore,” she said, voice trembling with gratitude. “If not for the medical mission, he may not have undergone surgery or we might have spent so much.”

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.

“The money intended for David’s operation was used instead for his studies and daily needs,” she said.

More importantly, the boy is back to being a cheerful and energetic child.

“He felt better. Before, I did not let him play or run a lot. Now, he is more energetic and play all games,” she added.

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.

Amid persistent gaps in healthcare access across remote communities, SM Foundation is bridging the divide through its long-running medical mission program that has served more than 1.3 million patients in over 1,700 missions nationwide.

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.