Sim is a 59-year-old potato farmer. He is married with three sons and four daughters; his wife is also a farmer. All of his children are married and live elsewhere in their province. In his free time, he likes to exercise, play with his grandchildren, and listen to the local and national news on his radio.
A year ago, while spreading insecticide from his tractor, he was overcome by the fumes, passed out and crashed the tractor. His shoulder was paralyzed, and Sim was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right shoulder side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The injury prevents him from lifting his shoulder, bending his elbow or moving his arm. He is unable to use his arm to work, dress himself, hold his grandchildren or perform most activities of daily living.
Sim traveled to our medical partner’s care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On May 10, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, Sim hopes that he will regain some use of his arm so he can return to farming and support his living. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure.
Sim said: “I hope this surgery will work to allow me to use my arm again so I can work. I feel very poorly, and cannot work or help my wife at home.”
