Meet Rong, a 24-year-old from Cambodia. “Rong has a meningoencephalocele (MEC) that has affected his face and is eyesight,” explain our partners at Children’s Surgical Centre. “He is at high risk for complications stemming from his MEC.” An MEC is a collection of brain tissue that pushes outside the cranium. Rong enjoys listening to Khmer pop songs and watching Khmer movies on TV. Though he lives alone, Rong depends on his parents to support him because it is difficult for him to find work due employers’ concerns about his appearance. Rong has shared that the responses to his appearance make him feel sad and shy. For $390 we can fund MEC surgery and recovery for Rong, which will ensure he no longer has brain tissue pushing out of his cranium. In addition to mitigating the risk of further complications, Rong’s face will no longer be the source of stigma. Let’s help Rong live confidently and healthfully, and to pursue work free from worry about his appearance!