Vireak is originally from Ratanakiri province, but most of his family has recently moved closer to Phnom Penh province. He resides with his elderly widowed mother as his father died of lung disease about 20 years ago. He has two older sisters and one older brother who help to support their mother and live nearby. When not delivering food on his motorbike, he likes to play volleyball or go fishing.
For as far back as he can remember, Vireak has had servere allergies, including nasal congestion, headaches, and frequent infections. He often has a runny nose and nasal discharge, which makes it difficult for him to interact with customers. Common medications purchased from the local pharmacy only help for a short time. Vireak sought medical assistance at a local clinic where a diagnosis revealed a deviated septum, a condition where the thin wall separating the right and left nasal passages is displaced. Patients with a deviated septum suffer from breathing difficulties, frequent nosebleeds, and disrupted sleep. However, he was unable to pay for the suggested surgery and was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for care.
Vireak needs help to fund the $319 septoplasty procedure, which will cover surgery, hospitalization, and all medications. After surgery, Vireak will have improved breathing and relief of symptoms.
Vireak said: “I really hope that after this surgery my nose will be better, it will be easy to breathe without nose pain or headaches.”