Sopheanin is a seven-year-old from Cambodia who dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up. Her mother is a snack seller, her father is a motorbike repairman, and she has an older brother who is in grade seven. Sopheanin studies in grade three. She enjoys drawing and painting and likes eating grilled meat at home.
Sopheanin was born with syndactyly of both feet, a condition in which she has extra digits on both feet. The extra digits make it difficult for her to wear shoes, and she frequently injures her feet while walking. Her classmates sometimes tease her, which affects her confidence.
Sopheanin’s family visited our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). On December 9th, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused digits. CSC is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Sopheanin will be more comfortable and able to wear shoes - and she is excited to wear the ones she loves the most.
Her mother said, “After the surgery I hope that my daughter will have feet like the other kids and be able to wear her favorite shoes.”

