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Theara is a 19-year-old student from Cambodia who needs $444 to fund clubfoot repair surgery so that he can walk easily.

Theara
64%
  • $285 raised, $159 to go
$285
raised
$159
to go
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November 15, 2022

Theara is a 19-year-old student from Cambodia. His parents are farmers and grow rice and vegetables. He has three siblings, including one brother and two sisters. He is in the 12th grade and enjoys reading Khmer literature. When he graduates from high school, he would like to attend a university to study law.

Theara was born with bilateral club feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. His parents consulted with a local hospital when he was born, but they did not follow up because they did not have the money. Now, he has difficulty walking and cannot wear shoes. He feels embarrassed by his condition and does not like to socialize with other people due to his disability.

Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. Theara traveled two and a half hours to visit CSC where, on November 15th, surgeons will perform a tendon transfer procedure with bilateral clubfoot frames. After treatment, he can learn to walk normally and will have more self confidence. Now, he needs help raising $444 to fund his procedure and care.

Theara shared, “after surgery, I hope I can walk and run, and wear shoes like other young men, so I can continue my education.”

Theara is a 19-year-old student from Cambodia. His parents are farmers and grow rice and vegetables. He has three siblings, including one br...

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Theara's Timeline

  • November 15, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Theara was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • November 15, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Theara was scheduled to receive treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • November 18, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Theara's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Theara is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Theara's treatment update from Children's Surgical Centre.

Funded by 3 donors

Funded by 3 donors

Treatment
Clubfoot Repair
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $444 for Theara's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$357
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
Labs
$3
Radiology
$5
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with clubfoot experience difficulty walking, as the affected foot or feet are rotated internally at the ankle.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Patients with clubfoot walk on the side of their feet or ankles, making it difficult for them to walk, run, or use stairs. It can also be difficult to conduct daily activities, such as working or going to school. Patients may also experience decreased self-confidence due to the appearance of the condition.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Access to affordable or free surgery is limited in Cambodia, so the prevalence of children with clubfoot is higher than in developed countries.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

If a patient is too old to receive clubfoot correction through casts, braces, or other treatments, he or she will undergo surgery. The patient may undergo a soft tissue release surgery, a tendon transfer surgery, a triple arthrodesis, or an Ilizarov correction procedure.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The ankle is corrected and aligned so the patient can walk normally on the soles of his or her feet. This improves mobility and function.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Treatment for idiopathic newborn clubfeet has a high success rate. In contrast, syndromic newborn clubfeet have a high recurrence rate and may require further surgery later in life. For neglected clubfeet in older patients, surgery is needed and is usually effective.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Access to affordable or free surgery is limited in Cambodia. Patients travel from as many as 12 hours away to reach our medical partner for free surgery. They travel with family members.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Most of the clubfoot cases our medical partner sees are neglected cases. The patient may have never received treatment, may have received unsuccessful treatments, or may have a reoccurring condition. By the time the patient arrives at our medical partner, there are no alternatives.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.