Sonich is an 18-year-old from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Ratanakiri Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He has one younger sister who is a kindergarten student. Because of his injury and the financial difficulties his family faces, he was forced to drop out of school in Grade 7, even though he wished to continue his education like other children his age. In his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends in the village.
Eight months ago, Sonich was involved in a traffic accident with another motorbike that caused paralysis of his left arm. After the accident, he was taken to a provincial hospital, where he underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for a left clavicle fracture. Later, he noticed that his left arm had become very weak. His family brought him to several hospitals in the city, where doctors told him that he had nerve damage. However, the cost of treatment was prohibitive for his family. After six months, the metal implant was removed at the provincial hospital. Following that, he tried physiotherapy and Khmer traditional medicine, hoping his arm would recover, but unfortunately, his condition did not improve.
Sonich learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought medical advice. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left 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 experiences significant weakness in his right arm and cannot lift it or feel sensation from his elbow to his fingers. Sometimes he also experiences pain and stiffness in his fingers. This condition makes it difficult for him to perform daily activities and prevents him from continuing his education.
Sonich 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 March 12th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will regain movement and be able to use his arm more normally in daily activities. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $637 more to fund his procedure and care.
Sonich said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this treatment. I hope my arm will become stronger so I can return to my daily activities and have hope for my future again.”