Philippines Mission (Urban Angels)

Hundreds line up with their small children in the heat, waiting for the Philippines Mission clinic. Most have never seen a doctor before. Half the population does not have medical coverage. The financial repercussion of seeking medical assistance forces many families to choose between the treatment of one ill member or feeding the entire family. Many opt for the latter causing a treatable illness to exacerbate into more complicated diseases. Philippine-born Zenny Gepilano had to do something about it.

Since 2005, this St. Michael’s Operating Room nurse has inspired others to join her on an annual mission to the Philippines to provide eye care, medical services and cataract surgeries to thousands of patients. Every February, a team of over 80 people from across St. Michael’s, along with staff from other organizations – nurses, doctors, painters, medical residents, porters, administrative and executive staff – will use their vacation time, pay their own airfare, and volunteer on the front-lines.

The volunteers have successfully completed 12 missions. During the past 12 years, the team has treated over 50 000 patients, performing hundreds of surgeries sometimes until midnight. With over 45 000 pairs of eyeglasses distributed amongst various communities in the Philippines. Now the volunteers are preparing for their 13th mission. The mission has volunteers but they need your help. They are accepting donations to pay for equipment, medications, eyeglasses and supplies for the clinic. Please support the Mission by making a donation today. Your donation will help volunteers provide healthcare, reconstructive surgeries and general medical outreach to people in the Philippines who don't have access to basic healthcare services.

Please donate now to support the 2018 mission. For more information please visit www.urban-angels.org