Viranouk is a 19-year-old university student from Cambodia. He is from Kompong Thum province, but is attending university in Phnom Penh to study IT. He is the youngest of three siblings, and visits his family often. In his free time, he enjoys playing football and volleyball, but has not been playing since he was injured.
Three months ago, Viranouk was in a motorbike accident where he fractured his right clavicle and sustained a nerve injury. 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 move his right hand and has no sensation in his right lower arm. Although he does not feel pain, this makes it very difficult to perform daily activities. He is also not attending school this semester due to his injury, but plans to return next year.
Viranouk 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 September 1st, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, This procedure will help him regain the use of his right arm and hand, improving his function, and his daily life when he returns to university. HIs family can contribute $100 to his care, but needs help to raise $637 more to fund his procedure.
Viranouk said, “After the surgery I hope that I will get better so I can keep studying for my degree.”

