Phalin is a two-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in a small town in Kampong Chhnang Province with her grandmother, who is a rice farmer. Her mother works in a garment factory, and her father is a construction worker. She is always excited when she gets to eat her favorite Cambodian chicken congee. During the day, she enjoys playing with slime and other toys.
Phalin was born with polydactyly of her right hand. This means that she has an extra thumb. It is difficult for her to hold objects properly, and her parents are also worried about how it affects her hand function and appearance. She has not received any prior treatment for this condition.
Fortunately, on February 5th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra finger. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to use her right hand normally, improve her grip, and have a hand that looks like other children’s, making daily activities and future schooling easier.
Phalin’s grandmother said, “After the surgery, I hope that Phalin will have a normal hand like other children and be able to use it properly, so it will be easier for her when she goes to school.”

