Monica’s Path to Healing

Written by Shannon Sotomayor , March 12, 2024

With three brothers and three sisters, life was bustling for 19-year-old Monica in the Dominican Republic. But internally, she faced a silent struggle with her health. It all began when she noticed throat pain, discomfort while swallowing food, and experienced difficulty while breathing. 

In September 2023, Monica’s life took a turn when she attended a medical mission organized by One World Surgery, held at her mother’s church. Little did she know this encounter would be the first step towards reclaiming her health and vitality. 

During the mission, a vigilant physician attending to Monica noticed something amiss while removing her stitches from a previous minor surgery. Concerned, she consulted a colleague, leading to further tests and a sonography which confirmed a thyroid tumor. 

Following the diagnosis, One World Surgery sprang into action. Monica was referred to an endocrinologist who conducted thorough analyses, ultimately recommending surgery at a public hospital due to the advanced stage of her tumor. However, hurdles arose as Monica’s high blood pressure posed a challenge for immediate surgery. This setback led to delays in accessing crucial medical services, disrupting Monica’s life and work routine. 

Despite the obstacles, Monica’s perseverance paid off. With the support of One World Surgery, she underwent a successful surgery, paving the way for her journey to recovery as she gradually regained her strength. Her biopsy showed benign cells, so she will continue with more rigorous treatment moving forward to monitor her thyroid. 

Reflecting on her journey, Monica shared, “One World Surgery provided funds for my consultations, tests, medications, and surgery. I am forever grateful for the staff’s kindness and dedication.”