Panha is a 21-month-old toddler from Cambodia. His father is a fisherman, his mother works in a clothing factory, and his grandparents farm rice. He has two older siblings who are both in school. Panha enjoys playing with his siblings and eating fried duck eggs with rice at home.
Panha was born with polydactyly of both hands. This is a birth condition where there is an extra finger on both hands. The extra fingers are underdeveloped and non-functional. It is difficult for him to use his hand to grasp objects, and his parents are worried he will have trouble in school when he is older.
Fortunately, on May 7th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra finger. Panha and his family are able to contribute $100 but need help to raise $199 more to fund the procedure. After surgery, with improved manual dexterity, he will be able to use his hand easily.
Panha’s mother said, “We are hopeful Panha can have this operation early so he can go to school and other children will not make fun of him.”