Chetra is a 39-year-old man from Cambodia. He has three sisters and one brother. His parents are divorced, so he lives with his mother and a niece. He and his mother work long hours outside in the rice paddies. They exchange the leftover rice they do not eat for vegetables and other items at the local market.
In April 2024, during a rainstorm, Chetra fell off his motorcycle onto a pile of sharp roofing, cutting deeply into his right forearm. He visited a local clinic, where he was told he had a deep tendon, muscle, and nerve injury, but they were only able to suture the superficial injury. Since then he has lost strength in his arm, has limited range of motion, decreased sensation in his fingers, and chronic pain. It is difficult for him to grasp objects or use any farm equipment to harvest the rice.
Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre can help. On October 14th, Chetra will undergo surgery to repair his tendon injury and nerve damage. His family is able to contribute $100 but needs help to raise $472 more to fund this complex surgery. This will cover the surgery, post-operative care, medication, and rehabilitation. After surgery and rehabilitation, Chetra should be able to regain strength in his arm and return to farming to support his family.
Chetra said, “I need to work to support my mother. I hope after this operation I can use my hand again.”