Lim is a 61-year-old rice farmer living with her husband in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. They have two sons, three daughters, and three grandchildren. One son is a monk and her youngest daughter is a student in the twelfth grade. The other children are all construction workers. She and her husband work all day in the rice paddies to ensure the children have completed school and can support themselves. After work, Lim likes to listen to the monks chanting on the radio or visit the local pagoda for ceremonies.
For the past several months, Lim has had an ulceration on the side of her mouth. She visited a government hospital, where she was given medication, but it does not heal and has continued to grow. The lesion bleeds when touched and is very painful for her. She is frequently nauseated and has difficulty chewing and swallowing. Lim has now been diagnosed with oral cancer. The government hospital recommended chemotherapy, but she is unable to afford the care.
Fortunately, doctors at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. Lim will undergo cancer surgery to remove and replace the bone. Her surgery, medications, and post-operative care will cost $726.
Lim says, “I hope after surgery I will feel better, have no pain and can go back to the rice field to help my husband.”
