21-year-old Kroem resides in Cambodia, where he works as a security guard. In his off-time, he enjoys playing soccer with his friends and listening to the radio.
Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), informs us that Kroem has been having recurrent discharge from his left ear since he was eight years old. This discharge is a result of a cholesteatoma, or a cholesterol-filled cyst, inside his left ear.
The cholesteatoma has causes Kroem to experience pain and ringing in his ear, as well as hearing loss. “Sometimes I cannot go to work because my ear hurts,” shares Kroem. Without treatment, the pain Kroem feels may never go away, and his hearing could continue to deteriorate.
Kroem needs a mastoidectomy, a surgical removal of portions of the mastoid bone located behind the affected ear region, which allows surgeons to drain and remove the cholesteatoma.
This operation will cost $809, which includes the expenses for medical and surgical supplies, a day to recover in the hospital, and three post-surgical follow-ups.
“After the mastoidectomy surgery, Kroem will be able to have improved hearing, and the discharge will stop. He can return to his work as a security guard without the inconvenience of daily ear discharge and pain,” says CSC.
Kroem’s father shares, "I hope my son's ear discharge stops and he won't feel pain after his operation. I hope his hearing can be better too and he has good health."