Sreylin is a 14-year-old student from Prey Veng province, Cambodia. She is the oldest of three children. She has a 12-year-old brother in grade six and a seven-year-old brother in grade two. Her parents are farmers who grow rice to support the family. Sreylin is currently in grade 10, and likes reading books and helping with housework. She dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. Her favorite food is lemongrass sour soup.
Sreylin has been living with scoliosis, a lateral curvature of her spine, since she was eight years old. This condition developed naturally and has resulted in difficulties with breathing and sitting for long periods. It also causes her back pain and limits her daily activities at school.
In the past, Sreylin visited a hospital in Thailand where doctors examined her back and informed her that surgery would only be possible once she turned 18. Now, at 14 years old, she is very aware of her poor posture and back issues, which have led to teasing from other students in her class.
Recently, she learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, through social media and came with her grandmother to seek treatment to correct her spine. On August 12th, Sreylin will undergo surgery with metal implants to correct her scoliosis and stabilize her spine. This surgery will improve her posture and allow her to live a healthier life. Her grandmother hopes an operation will help her live more comfortably and avoid future complications, but they need help with the $1500 cost of the surgery. This will include surgery, anesthesia, medication, and postoperative care.
Sreylin’s grandmother said, “After the operation, I hope that Sreylin’s back will be normal like the other girls, and she will be healthy and happy at school as well as at home.”

