Marina, who is four years old, lives in Takeo province with her mother and father. Her mother works in a garment factory, while her father is employed at a nearby construction site.
A year ago, Marina tried to climb a two meter high “spirit house” in her front garden. Spirit houses are temple style shrines, which often have fruit and sweets placed on top of them as offerings. Marina fell from the structure, and fractured her left leg. She was taken to a nearby clinic, and treated for the fracture. Since then, her parents have noticed that she can only walk on her tip-toes. They are worried, as Marina is going to start kindergarten in the autumn, and they want her to be able to walk to school and to play with her friends.
Marina and her family sought help from our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre. On July 10th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre plan to perform a tendon release procedure on her left ankle. This procedure will increase the flexibility and function of Marina’s leg and ankle. Once she has fully recovered, Marina will be able to walk more easily. Now her family needs your help to fund this $572 procedure.
Marina’s father said: “We hope Marina will have surgery and she won’t feel afraid to start school.”