Chhinlong is a 35-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia who is married and has two children – a ten-year-old son in first grade and a six-year-old daughter in kindergarten. They live in Kampong Chhnang province, where Chhinlong enjoys feeding his roosters and hens in his free time.
Three years ago, Chhinlong fell off a ladder and injured his spine. Although he underwent spinal surgery, he still experiences damage to the nerves in his spinal cord, which causes pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in his left foot and leg. Then, about a year and a half ago, Chhinlong developed a sinus sore on his left foot and ankle. This sore is a small tunnel located between his heel bone and ankle bone and contains nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues that are essential for stabilizing the ankle and sensing body position. Over time, this condition has worsened into an infected bone, creating an ulcer.
Chhinlong has been experiencing pain and chronic oozing at the wound site, making it difficult for him to sleep. A local clinic recommended amputation, but he could not afford it. They suggested he get a consultation from specialty surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Upon review, his doctors recommend an amputation of the left foot at the ankle joint, preserving the heel pad for weight-bearing to prevent symptoms from getting worse and allowing him to walk without having to get a prosthesis.
On July 11th, Chhinlong will undergo this procedure to help him live more comfortably. After recovering, Chhinlong is most looking forward to farming and helping his wife with household work that is currently impossible for him. Chhinlong contributed $75 to his care and needs assistance raising $513 to fund the remaining cost of his surgery.
Chhinlong said, “I hope after this operation, I will not need surgery. I would like the pain and infection to go away.”

