Dalin is a 13-year-old 7th grade student, with one younger sister. His parents are both rice farmers. Dalin’s favorite subjects in school are Khmer and math. His favorite meal is called koko sou with roast chicken and juice. Dalin shared with us that he wants to be a doctor when he grows up.
Five years ago, Dalin had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Dalin experiences hearing loss, tinnitus and ear discharge. It is difficult for him to hear at school. He’s often absent from class due to the ear discharge.
Dalin’s family traveled to our medical partner’s care center to finally receive treatment. On February 17th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $925 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care at the hospital.
Dalin said, “I hope my hearing will improve and the ear discharge will stop after surgery.”