Chhem is a 57-year-old father from Cambodia. Chhem, his wife, and their children live in Prey Veng province. They have four children who still live at home - one daughter and three sons. Chhem is a vegetable seller, his wife is a homemaker, and the children attend school and help their father at the local market. At home, he likes to grow a few extra vegetables to supplement their family’s diet.
Chhem has been suffering from throat pain and swallowing difficulties for several years. A local hospital noted that he had small tumors on his tonsils and uvula. The tonsils are on either side of the throat at the back of the mouth, and the uvula is the small, finger-shaped piece of tissue that hangs down from the back of the throat.
The tumors were biopsied, but there was no clear diagnosis. He went back to the local clinic when the pain got worse but could not afford the care. For the past three months, Chhem’s pain has been worse. He does not know if he has a disease but knows that he cannot swallow and is in pain.
Chhem traveled to our medical partner Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) to receive treatment. On August 11th, surgeons will remove the mass from his tonsils. Chhem is able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery and needs help to raise $273 to fully fund the procedure.
Chhem said, “I hope I will receive the right diagnosis and know what the treatment plan is.”
