Phal is a 58-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is from Kampong Thom province, and is a widower - his wife died of an illness several years ago. He has two sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren. He lives with his oldest daughter who is also a rice farmer. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the news on the radio, taking care of his grandchildren, and visiting the village pagoda.
Four months ago, Phal discovered a small mass on his lower jaw which has grown quickly in size. He went to a local hospital but had no money so they did not treat him. A biopsy showed him to have a rare cancer - odontogenic carcinoma, which is an abnormal growth in and around the jaw and teeth. He has jaw pain, and it is difficult for him to eat or drink. He has lost almost 10 pounds in the last four months.
When Phal learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, surgeons at CSC will perform mandibulectomy and free flap to remove the cancerous cells and replace the surgical site with a free skin flap, so he can continue to work as a farmer and support his family. Now, he needs help to fund this $673 procedure.
Phal shared: “After surgery, I hope the doctors will remove the tumour from my lower jaw, and I will have no more pain while eating and drinking.”