Six-year-old Darika lives with her parents and older brother in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. Her parents work long hours as rice farmers to support the family. Darika is currently in grade one and loves studying Khmer and playing with her friends at recess.
Darika was born with a condition called torticollis, which has caused the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left side of her neck to be shortened and tight. This condition limits her neck’s movement and causes her head to tilt, due to the muscle imbalance. It also makes everyday activities more challenging. Although Darika began conservative treatment with physical therapy when she was two years old, there has been no improvement, and surgical intervention is needed to correct the condition.
On December 11th, Darika will undergo torticollis release surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. This procedure will help correct her head positioning, improve her neck movement, and prevent future complications. Her family has already contributed $100 toward the surgery, but our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is seeking $387 to help cover the remaining expenses, which include the surgery, post-operative care, and physical therapy.
Darika’s father shared: “I hope this surgery will improve her condition and our family can stop our worrying.”

