Phalla lives with her five siblings, their aunt and cousin in Kampong Thum province in Cambodia. Her relatives work as merchants in the local market and one sibling is a teacher.
In March 2021, Phalla fell while walking down the stairs of her home and fractured her right hip. She was not able to seek immediate treatment due to COVID-19 lockdowns and her fear of going to the hospital. Eventually, Phalla was treated at a nearby hospital, but the fracture has still not healed. She experiences constant pain and relies on a wheelchair.
Phalla and her younger brother travelled for six hours to seek help from our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre. On April 24th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a hemiarthroplasty surgery on her right hip. This will help Phalla regain her mobility and to live without pain. Phalla and her family are able to contribute $100 but need help raising $444 to fund the procedure and post-op care.
Phalla hopes surgery will eliminate her pain and enable her to walk again. She would like to start looking for work once she has healed.