Kan is a 25-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives in Takaeo province with his elderly mother. He is the youngest child of two siblings; his older brother works in an umbrella factory. He was divorced three years ago and has a 6-year-old son. In his free time, he helps his mum with yard work.
Five months ago, Kan was on his way home from work when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He fell hard on his left side, which resulted in nerve damage and paralysis of his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves 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. Although he can shrug his left shoulder, he is unable to use his elbow or his hand. He has a chronic infection in his wound and experiences pain and stiffness in his fingers.
Kan 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 January 15th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to regain nerve function in his left arm, reduce pain, and return to work to support his family. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $737 to fund this procedure.
Kan said, “After the surgery, I hope that I will be able to use my hand again without pain, so I can return to my job and earn some money to support my son.”

