Vichea is a 13-year-old ninth grader from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and three siblings in Preah Sihanouk province, near the sea. His older brother is a hairdresser, his older sister runs a small coffee shop, and his youngest sister is in 6th grade. Their parents sell groceries from a small shop in the town to support the family. Vichea enjoys math class, building model cars, and hopes to become a jeweler when he grows up. His favorite food is lemongrass sour soup.
Vichea was diagnosed with genu valgus, a natural condition that caused both of his legs to curve inward. He previously underwent surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), where doctors placed metal plates in his femur and tibia to straighten his legs and help correct the position of his legs. Although the first surgery successfully aligned his legs, Vichea still feels some pain while walking due to the metal plates.
Fortunately, surgeons at CSC can help. On November 10th, Vichea will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. This follow-up surgery will remove the plates, helping him feel comfortable when walking and allowing him to move freely without pain or stiffness.
Vichea’s mother said, “After the surgery, I hope that my son will feel comfortable when he is walking and can play more easily with his friends.”

