Meet Samnang, an eight-year-old boy living in Cambodia. Samnang loves to play, whether it’s by himself, with toys, or with companions. He has one younger sister.
For over seven years now—almost his entire life—both of Samnang’s ears have had chronic inflammation, a condition known as otitis media. This causes his ears to leak discharge frequently, and has also created small holes in both of his eardrums. As a result, Samnang has lost much of his hearing, and has trouble speaking.
Samnang experiences discomfort in his ears on a daily basis. And his disease could have longer-term repercussions for him, as well, if he is not treated. Because Samnang’s hearing and speaking abilities are so delayed, he is not able to attend school—a difficult setback, if it remains permanent.
For $598, we can sponsor the operations Samnang needs: a myringoplasty in each ear. During this procedure, doctors will close the holes in Samnang’s ear drums using skin grafts from elsewhere on his body. He will receive the operation in his left ear in June, and will then receive the operation in his right ear about six weeks later. His funding will also cover the two-day hospital stay that Samnang will need to recover from each surgery.
After the operation, the discharge and pain that Samnang has been experiencing will stop. Over time, his hearing will improve. Samnang will also be given access to speech therapy at CSC free of charge.
Let’s put Samnang back on track to communicate more easily with those around him, and to return to school.
