Mengly is an energetic four-year-old toddler from Cambodia. He lives with his younger sister and grandmother in Kampong Speu province. His parents work in a shoe factory in Kandal province because they could not find jobs in their home province. They visit their children as often as possible and send home money to care for the children. Mengly does not attend school yet, but he enjoys playing with toys and eating anything his grandmother cooks for him.
Mengly was born with polydactyly of his right hand. This means that he has an extra thumb. His parents worry that the extra thumb may affect his hand’s functionality or make him feel self-conscious as he grows older if it is not treated.
Fortunately, on March 11th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra thumb. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $299 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will be able to use his hand more easily and perform tasks with better dexterity.
Mengly’s mother said: “I hope that he will be able to use his hand and grab objects well.”

