Sokkea is a 42-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives with his wife and two young daughters in Phnom Penh. Sokkea's wife sells drinks from a cooler at his construction site to supplement their income. In his free time, Sokkea and his family go to the nearby Mekong River to play and go fishing.
Five years ago, Sokkea developed an ear infection, which caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. Now, Sokkea experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge, making it difficult for him to hear. Additionally, Sokkea is losing income because he must visit many clinics and pharmacies for medications that aren't working.
Fortunately, Sokkea could travel to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 3rd, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $926 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Sokkea contributed $100 to his care.
When asked about his hopes for the future, Sokkea shared that he wants to get better so he can improve his work and family life.