21-year-old Chhoeun is the sixth child in his family--he has three sisters and four brothers. He lives in Cambodia, and in his spare time he enjoys playing volleyball and listening to music. However, “One year ago Chhoeun was in a road accident,” explains our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “The accident caused ankylosis [of the jaw], or abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to bone fusion.” As a result, Chhoeun is experiencing painful swelling around his jaw bone, which has made it difficult for him to eat. Before the accident, Chhoeun earned a living as a farmer. However, his injury has affected his ability to work as he did previously. Chouen could not afford the surgery originally scheduled for him by another hospital, and instead traveled six hours to reach the CSC treatment centre. For $392, Chhoeun will undergo an arthroplasty, during which the damaged portion of his jaw will be removed. After the surgery, Chhoeun will receive physical therapy, which will help him regain muscle strength and achieve a better range of motion in his jaw joint. He will eventually be able to open his mouth without discomfort. “After I am healed I will go back to work,” shares Chhoeun. “I hope that my mouth will be able to open normally again. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses for their help.”