June 18, 2025
Chhaiheang lives in the rural Kratie province in Cambodia near the border with Laos. Twenty years ago, Chhaiheang’s husband passed away from an illness, and she became a single mom to their three daughters. She lives with one of her daughters while the other two have married and moved to nearby towns. Chhaiheang and her daughter bake cakes at home to sell in the local market. In her free time, she likes trying new recipes and chatting with friends.
For the last five years, Chhaiheang has been experiencing nasal obstruction, mucus discharge, regular headaches, loss of smell, and difficulty breathing. Last year, she was diagnosed with nasal polyps, and it was recommended that she have surgery. The symptoms have worsened, and she has decided to seek the operation.
Chhaiheang traveled for five hours to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre. On June 18th, she will undergo a bilateral polypectomy, which should permanently alleviate all of her unpleasant symptoms. Chhaiheang can contribute $100 but needs your help to raise $305 to fund the surgery and post-operative care.
Chhaiheang shared, “I hope I can breathe more easily and stop my headaches so I can work and not feel sick anymore.”
Chhaiheang lives in the rural Kratie province in Cambodia near the border with Laos. Twenty years ago, Chhaiheang's husband passed away from...
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October 5, 2025
Surgeons at the Children’s Surgical Centre diagnosed Chhaiheang with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, recommending Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). It was her first visit to the capital, and she felt a sense of nervousness. However, the hospital staff explained the procedure, detailing how they would use a small camera and specialized tools to open her blocked sinuses and help her breathe freely again. The surgery went smoothly. Afterward, she received saline sprays and antibiotics, and her nasal passages were gently packed to reduce swelling and bleeding. That night, Chhaiheang rested calmly in the post-operative ward with her head slightly elevated. A nurse informed her about the importance of avoiding blowing her nose, lifting heavy items, or bending forward for the first few days. After spending two nights in the hospital, she returned home with instructions and a follow-up visit schedule. Chhaiheang hopes that this surgery will ultimately improve her quality of life and looks forward to returning home.
Chhaiheang shared, “After years of breathing through my mouth, I hope to sleep well and bake cakes to sell again. I am very grateful for the kind care the staff gave me.”
Surgeons at the Children's Surgical Centre diagnosed Chhaiheang with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, recommending Functional Endoscopic ...
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