Nita is an 11-year-old student from Cambodia. She is the middle child among two siblings and lives with her parents and older sister in Rotanakiri province. Her youngest sister stays with their grandmother in a separate house. Her parents sell fried meatballs on the street from the back of a motorbike. Nita enjoys school and jumping rope with her friends at recess.
Nita was born with facial asymmetry, including a collapsed left nostril and visible deformities affecting the overall shape and alignment of her nose and her ability to breathe easily. She had a unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, which was corrected when she was younger. Due to her appearance, she often feels embarrassed, especially at school.
Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is helping Nita receive treatment. On December 5th, she will undergo a rhinoplasty procedure, which will cost $333. This procedure will address the deformities in her nose, including the collapsed nostril, and improve her facial symmetry. After surgery, she will be able to breathe more easily through her nose and feel more confident in social situations.
Nita’s mother says, “I hope that after the surgery, Nita will feel more confident around others, especially at school with her friends.”

