When Sophea was just six months old, he burned his arm in a cooking fire. Sophia developed contractures (deformed, tightened skin after a third degree burn) that are so severe, the surgeons at CSC decided to delay his treatment for one month until they could be assisted by a burn reconstruction specialist.
In rural Cambodia, energy and electricity are scarce, so many people cook over open fires using natural products like wood for fuel. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured in accidents related to open flames every year. Due to the inaccessibility of high-quality medical care, injuries like Sophea’s often result in permanent disability.
Sophea is the youngest of eight children. His father died five years ago, and the remainder of his family works hard on their farm to make ends meet. Sophea tries to help by caring for the cows, but isn’t able to do the physically intensive work of harvesting rice because of his condition. He also has trouble keeping up in school and says he gets made fun of for his appearance.
Sophea hopes to be able to help his family more and live a normal life after surgery. When he grows up, he wants to be the Village Chief in his village. We’re behind you, Sophea!