Reaksa is a 25-year-old soldier from Cambodia. He lives in a small village in Takeo province with his elderly parents, who work as vegetable sellers at a local market. His wife works at a book factory. In his free time, he helps his wife with household work and grows vegetables around his home to support their daily living.
Four months ago, Reaksa was involved in a traffic accident, causing paralysis of his right arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his right hand and sometimes feels pain in his arm and elbow. He has difficulty bending his elbow and using his hand for daily activities and work, which affects his ability to perform his military duties and support his family.
Reaksa traveled to our medical partner’s care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery on February 24th. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. After recovery, he will gain movement and strength in his right arm, reduce pain, and improve elbow and hand function. This will allow him to perform daily activities and return to work more comfortably. Reaksa’s family can contribute $100, but our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, needs help raising $637 to fund Reaksa’s procedure and care.
Reaksa said, “I hope this treatment will help my hand recover so I can work and support my family again.”