Sovannary is a 7-year-old who lives with her family in Banteay Meanchey province. Her parents make a living selling spices at the local food market. She also has an older sister who is 10 years old and in grade four. In school, Sovannary likes mathematics and aspires to become a teacher in the future. At home, she loves playing with her older sister and eating fried vegetables and meat her mother prepares for dinner.
Three years ago, Sovannary’s hands and legs were burned from a gas explosion. Despite receiving burn care at a local pediatric hospital, numerous scars persist. One particular web contracture has formed is on her right hand - web space contractures commonly occur in hand burns and can have a significant impact on overall hand function because it can create functional deficiencies including loss of grasp. When she tries to stretch the skin, it is very painful, and she cannot write with that hand.
Sovannary’s parents heard about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, from a local clinic, and traveled seven hours for a consultation. The recommended surgery is a burn contracture release surgery for her right fingers. She is scheduled for surgery on January 3rd. The total cost of the surgery, including hospitalization, medications, and physiotherapy, is $487. Now, her parents need help with the cost of the surgery to alleviate her pain and enhance her overall hand function.
Sovannary’s mother said: “My daughter wants to regain movement in her fingers so she can write. She also wants to have no pain, so we hope the operation will be successful.”