Malika is six years old and the youngest in a family of five from Cambodia. Her mother is a housewife, and her father works as a construction worker. At home, Malika loves eating soup with rice and playing with her four older brothers.
Malika has been diagnosed with a combination of Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and a spinal deformity. KS is a genetic condition that can cause delays in development and physical problems, making Malika have a tall, thin body and flexible joints. This condition also contributes to her spinal deformity, which her mother noticed when she was just five months old. Additionally, Malika was born with VSD, a heart condition where there was a hole in her heart, which required surgery when she was a baby. These health issues have affected her growth and development, but her parents hope that she can start school soon.
Malika and her family traveled for two and a half hours to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for treatment. On April 8th, she will undergo a spinal surgery where a growing rod will be placed along her spine to help correct the curvature while allowing her spine to continue growing. This procedure aims to support her spine’s growth and alignment, improving her posture and mobility. Our medical partner is seeking help with $1500, which will cover the cost of the surgery, medical supplies, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy.
Malika’s mother said, “I want to see her grow up healthy like other children and be able to start school so she can have a good future.”

