Rathana is a 40-year-old tailor who lives in Kandal province with her husband, who is a security guard. She is proud of the dresses that she sews from home and sells to local shops. When not working, she loves to try different food recipes for her husband.
Three years ago, Rathana had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. Because of this, Rathana experiences chronic pain, ear discharge, and hearing loss. She frequently spends money at the pharmacy for medications that do not work long-term. She is worried that her hearing loss will be permanent. It is difficult for her to communicate clearly with others, and she shared that she feels embarrassed that she does not understand when villagers or family talk to her.
Rathana traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 5th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation, grafting a patch over the hole. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure and Rathana is able to contribute $100. This covers the surgery, medications, supplies, and inpatient care.
Rathana said: "I hope that my ear will stop being painful, my hearing will improve, and I will have no more headaches."