Socheata is 11 years old and in sixth grade. She has three sisters and two brothers. Socheata likes to watch Thai movies dubbed in Khmer, cook rice, and do her school work.
Socheata has been diagnosed with a hemivertebra, meaning one wedged-shaped vertebra causes an angle in her spine. X-rays also show a progression of two spinal curvature conditions, scoliosis and kyphosis. Socheata experiences pain and difficulty bending her back.
Socheata’s parents heard about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), from a relative. The family traveled for two hours to reach CSC for treatment.
Socheata will undergo treatment on January 20. Surgeons at CSC will perform a hemivertebra excision surgery and a spinal fusion, in which they will attach hardware to the curved part of the backbone to straighten and stabilize the spine. CSC is requesting $450 to fund this procedure. Socheata will feel more comfortable after treatment.