Heng is a 10-year-old third grader with one older brother. His father is a farmer and his mother is a garment factory worker in a clothing factory in the city of Phnom Penh. He and his older brother live with their grandparents in another province. Heng enjoys Khmer literature and would like to be a lawyer when he grows up. Heng shared with us that his favorite meal is fried chicken and fresh orange juice.
In November 2021, Heng was burned with gasoline on both of his lower legs. His parents took him to a national pediatric hospital for medical care where he stayed for 2 weeks. As a result of his burn injury, contractures have developed, tightening the skin around the affected area, especially around this left knee. Unfortunately it is painful for him to walk.
When Heng’s grandmother learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, they traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 18, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to reduce the scarring on his legs, and improve the elasticity of the skin so he will not be disfigured and limited in movement. Now, their family needs help to fund this $495 procedure.
His grandmother said: “We hope that Heng will be able to walk without pain and keep up with his friends in school.”
