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Darith is a third grader from Cambodia who needs $265 to fund surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids.

Darith
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  • $10 raised, $255 to go
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December 13, 2022

Darith is a third grader who lives in Kandal province. He has one older brother and one younger sister. His father drives a pick-up truck for a local construction company, and his mother is a homemaker. At school, he enjoys math, Khmer, and social science. He would like to be a soldier when he is old enough. When not in school, he likes to play volleyball with his father, and eat fried fish or fried beef.

For two years, Darith has been experiencing high fevers and sore throats. Often he cannot swallow his food and vomits it up because he feels so bad. Medicine from the local pharmacy has not helped. He has not gained weight and is absent from school. Darith was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time.

Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Darith, which is scheduled to take place on December 14th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Darith of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably.

His mother said: “I hope after this operation, my son will eat well and not feel sick all the time.”

Darith is a third grader who lives in Kandal province. He has one older brother and one younger sister. His father drives a pick-up truck fo...

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Darith's Timeline

  • December 13, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Darith was submitted by Romanea Khun, Assistant Manager, CSC at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • December 14, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Darith was scheduled to receive treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • December 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Darith's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Darith is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Darith's treatment update from Children's Surgical Centre.

Funded by 1 donor

Profile 48x48 902386 2231450909741 1756666814 o

Funded by 1 donor

Profile 48x48 902386 2231450909741 1756666814 o
Treatment
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $265 for Darith's treatment
Hospital Fees
$25
Medical Staff
$189
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
Labs
$3
Radiology
$5
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with enlarged tonsils experience pain and difficulty swallowing. They may also wake up frequently during the night or experience sleep disturbances, such as apnea or snoring.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The negative effects include recurrent rhinopharyngitis (common cold), throat infections, constant sore throat, sleep disturbances, and difficulty studying and working. Swallowing becomes very painful and labored.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Most people in Cambodia who require this procedure are from rural areas that have poor hygiene and little access to education. They frequently contract rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. If patients do not have the money to seek treatment, they will often see a traditional healer instead. An incorrect prescription can cause a recurrence of the infection.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient is put on a course of antibiotics for one to two weeks to settle the infection. Under general anesthesia, each tonsil is removed by monopolar cauterization from a recess in the side of the pharynx called the tonsillar fossa. The bleeding is controlled and requires no suture. The total time required for the procedure is about one hour.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Patients will no longer experience recurrent infections. They will enjoy reduced pain and improved breathing and sleeping. Patients can return to school and work.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This condition is very treatable, and the operation is highly successful and effective.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

There are few ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists in Cambodia, and most are concentrated in major cities where services are costly. If patients cannot afford to travel and pay for treatment at hospitals in the city, they self-medicate with painkillers or visit Khmer traditional healers.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The alternatives to this treatment are only short-term fixes to manage pain. If left untreated, throat infections can lead to more serious complications with other organs.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Kenn

Kenn is a 26-year-old food handler from Philippines. He lives with his partner and has an income of $200 a month which is just enough to provide for their daily needs. In addition to his needed treatment, Kenn is worried because he already holds debts from a previous hospitalization. In March 2022, Kenn began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe stomachache, back pain, and vomiting. He was brought to the nearest hospital to receive urgent care. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed to have a gallstone. Unfortunately, he cannot afford his surgery and had it delayed. Consequently, his symptoms worsened as he experienced chest pain and yellow skin discoloration. He went back to his surgeon to be checked and was diagnosed with Chronic Calculous Cholecystitis. Kenn must undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder to heal. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Kenn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on March 3rd. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the requesting $1,128 to cover the cost of Kenn's surgery and care. Kenn shared, "The treatment cost is very expensive and we can't afford it. Thankfully, Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines have good hearts and are willing to help me. I'm so grateful for their generosity. May the Lord continue to bless them."

5% funded

5%funded
$57raised
$1,071to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.