Chhengmean is a 13-year-old student from Cambodia. She has three younger siblings who live with her parents, while Chhengmean lives with her aunt and grandparents. She is in 4th grade and enjoys studying Khmer. Chhengmean also loves cooking and making pork and rice.
When she was 7 years old, Chhengmean developed an ear infection that caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. As a result, Chhengmean experiences pain, tinnitus, and pus, along with hearing loss in her left ear. This makes it difficult for her to hear clearly and has affected her ability to focus in class.
Chhengmean traveled to our medical partner’s care center to receive treatment. On December 12th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This cost covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care.
Chhengmean shared that, after undergoing surgery, she hopes she will be able to pay attention at school without hearing loss or discomfort!

