Vannita is a seven-year-old second grader from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Chhnang province with her parents and two siblings. Her mother works in a laundromat, and her father sells construction equipment at a local business. She is the youngest child in the family. At school, she enjoys studying Khmer and hopes to become a dentist when she grows up. At home, she loves chicken soup and playing with her friends.
Vannita was born with torticollis, a condition with a twist of the neck due to a tight and short neck muscle. In many cases, it can be resolved with physical therapy, but some cases require surgery to lengthen the muscle. Vannita finds it difficult to turn her head and neck and often feels pain in her shoulder.
Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is helping Vannita receive treatment. On December 17th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to improve the position and function of her neck. Now, she needs help to fund this $572 procedure.
Vannita’s mother shared, “After the surgery I hope that my daughter will feel better about her appearance and be able to do more activities at school.”

