Sam Oeun is a 41-year-old blacksmith from Cambodia. He is married and has two children. His eldest child is 16 years old and in eighth grade, and his youngest is seven years old and in third grade. His wife sells clothing at a local market. In his free time, Sam Oeun assists his wife with her work and cares for their children.
Three months ago, on a rainy evening, Sam Oeun fell off his motorbike. His right arm hit the road, fracturing his right scapula and clavicle. At a local hospital, he had surgery to stabilize his fractures with hardware, but was still unable to move his right arm. He visited a local clinic, where he was told he needed physical therapy to improve the strength of his arm. A friend told him he should visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, a one-and-a-half-hour mini-bus ride from their home in Kandal province. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his right arm, experiences pain and stiffness at night, has disturbed sleep, and is too weak to work as a blacksmith or help his family.
Sam Oeun traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On October 7th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, the treatment, including surgery and physiotherapy, should restore some function and mobility in his right arm. Sam Oeun can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $637 more to fund his procedure and care.
Sam Oeun said: "After the surgery, I hope I will be able to use my hand again, so I can return to my work and support my family."