At 16 years old, I attended a self-discovery camp where I was asked to choose three words from a pile. The words I picked were Poor, Education, Wealth. At the time, I did not fully understand why those words spoke to me, but looking back, I can see how they have shaped my journey. They became the foundation of my life mission: To help the poor not just in terms of wealth, but also in terms of education.

This calling is what inspired me to join the Hands for Vitality chiropractic mission in the Philippines. What began as a single opportunity has now grown into three separate trips, each one deepening my commitment to serve the underprivileged and reminding me of why I chose this path in the first place.

The mission provides chiropractic care to communities that often have little or no access to such services. For many of the patients, this may be their first and only time experiencing chiropractic treatment in their lifetime. With that in mind, I strive to give each patient my fullest attention and care. I am reminded constantly that it is not about numbers or statistics—it is about the human connection, the healing touch, and the dignity that comes with being cared for.

The most rewarding moments come from the patients themselves. Their expressions of relief, gratitude, and joy after treatment are priceless. Some smile through their discomfort, others hold back tears, and many simply whisper “thank you” with sincerity that stays in my heart long after I leave. These encounters remind me that the smallest acts of service can create the biggest impact.

People often ask me, “Why do you keep going back to the Philippines?” My answer is always the same: I love the people and I love the experience. The warmth of the communities we serve, the friendships formed along the way, and the sense of purpose I feel with every mission make it impossible not to return. Beyond patient care, I also value the opportunity to meet chiropractors from different parts of the world. We exchange skills, techniques, and insights, all with the shared goal of serving our patients better. This global camaraderie has broadened my perspective and helped me grow as both a student and future practitioner.

Each mission has also been a journey of self-discovery. I return home with new lessons, deeper gratitude, and a stronger conviction to make a difference in my own community.

My hope is not only to continue serving the people of the Philippines but also to bring this spirit back to Malaysia.

I believe that chiropractic care should be accessible to everyone, including the underprivileged, and I aspire to contribute towards building systems that make this possible.

To the organisers, mentors, and fellow chiropractors who have made these missions possible, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your dedication has inspired me to give more, serve more, and dream bigger. This is only the beginning of my journey, and I look forward to many more opportunities to serve in the years to come.

Salamat po, 🇵🇭❤️

Written by Yvonne Tan Yi Wen, an IMU Chiropractic student who participated in the Hands for Vitality chiropractic mission in the Philippines