Vannak is a 56-year-old mother of two sons from Cambodia. She lives in Phnom Penh province, about an hour outside the city. She is a widow and makes a modest income selling soft drinks and spices in her small village. Her oldest son is married and has his own family, and she lives with her youngest son, who helps support her. At home, Vannak likes to watch Khmer love stories on TV and cook for her son.
Seven years ago, an insect flew into Vannak’s ear. She inserted salt water to get rid of the insect but was not able to remove it. She developed an ear infection that caused her right ear’s tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, to perforate. For this reason, Vannak experiences intermittent ear pain and ringing in her ears. Her hearing has declined, and she has frequent ear infections, which makes it difficult for her to run her business, work outside, and communicate with customers. Undergoing surgery can help prevent bacteria and other foreign particles from entering her middle ear, reducing the likelihood of recurrent ear infections. Surgery can also lead to fewer episodes of pain, discomfort, and other complications.
Fortunately, Vannak traveled to our medical partner’s care center for treatment. On October 23rd, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $487 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Vannak contributed $100 to her care.
Vannak’s son said: “I hope my mother’s ear will improve and be healthy, she will stop getting ear infections, and her hearing will be normal.”
