Veasna is an 11-year-old Cambodian second grader who has a brother and three sisters. According to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, “he likes eating fish and meat and likes to play outside with his friends.”
Veasna has a meningoencephalocele (MEC) on the ridge of his nose, which is a sac of fluid or tissue that protrudes through his skull to create a visible bump. Because of the bump on his face, Veasna feels very shy in public and at school.
If left untreated, the protrusion could lead to various health complications when Veasna is older and it may interfere with his vision, tear ducts, and sinuses.
$390 will fund a surgery to remove the bump on his nose and repair the hole with a bone graft to reconstruct the area. Additionally, these funds will cover post-operation care from a physical therapist and a two week stay at the hospital.
After surgery, Veasna will no longer worry about the bump on his nose and will feel more comfortable at school.