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Success! Kim Hong from Cambodia raised $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy so that he can live pain-free.

Kim Hong
100%
  • $265 raised, $0 to go
$265
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Kim Hong's treatment was fully funded on February 7, 2023.

Photo of Kim Hong post-operation

February 13, 2023

Kim Hong underwent a surgery so that he can grow up pain-free.

Kim Hong and his parents traveled for two hours for the diagnosis and treatment of his chronic tonsillitis. Post-operatively, he spent the night in the hospital and then was able to return to his province. He will gargle with salt water, and avoid any cold, hot, or spicy foods for about two weeks while his incision heals. He can now continue his schooling without worrying that the infection will come back. Kim Hong can breathe easily, swallow his food without pain, and sleep much better at night. Best of all, he hopes he never has to take medicine again!

Kim Hong’s mother shared: “we feel excited that my son looks well from this treatment. We believe that CSC is a good place for patients that need surgery. We want to thank everyone who made this possible so Kim Hong will no longer be sick.”

Kim Hong and his parents traveled for two hours for the diagnosis and treatment of his chronic tonsillitis. Post-operatively, he spent the n...

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February 1, 2023

Kim Hong is a 13-year-old seventh grader from a rural province in Cambodia near the Vietnamese border. He lives with his parents and two siblings. His father is a motorbike taxi driver and his mother works in a factory. In school, Kim Hong enjoys social studies and math, and he would like to be a doctor one day. After school, he likes playing with water guns with his friends. He shared that his favorite food is “anything fried”, but unfortunately for the last three years, it has been difficult for him to eat.

For three years, Kim Hong has been experiencing sore throats and difficulty swallowing. He is often uncomfortable and misses school. He was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly worsen over time.

Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On February 1st, Kim Hong will undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, where surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids. This procedure will hopefully relieve Kim Hong of his symptoms and help him live much more comfortably. Now, he and his family need help raising $265 to fund his procedure and care.

Kim Hong shared, “I hope after surgery I can eat a lot, and stop taking medication all the time because I don’t like the taste.”

Kim Hong is a 13-year-old seventh grader from a rural province in Cambodia near the Vietnamese border. He lives with his parents and two sib...

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Kim Hong's Timeline

  • February 1, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • February 1, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Kim Hong received 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.

  • February 2, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Kim Hong's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 7, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Kim Hong's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 13, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Kim Hong's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 2 donors

Profile 48x48 10714363 739039089511249 3116632349941804854 o
Profile 48x48 moksh3

Funded by 2 donors

Profile 48x48 10714363 739039089511249 3116632349941804854 o
Profile 48x48 moksh3
Treatment
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $265 for Kim Hong's treatment
Hospital Fees
$25
Medical Staff
$189
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 enlarged tonsils experience pain and difficulty swallowing. They may also wake up frequently during the night or experience sleep disturbances, such as apnea or snoring.

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

The negative effects include recurrent rhinopharyngitis (common cold), throat infections, constant sore throat, sleep disturbances, and difficulty studying and working. Swallowing becomes very painful and labored.

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

Most people in Cambodia who require this procedure are from rural areas that have poor hygiene and little access to education. They frequently contract rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. If patients do not have the money to seek treatment, they will often see a traditional healer instead. An incorrect prescription can cause a recurrence of the infection.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient is put on a course of antibiotics for one to two weeks to settle the infection. Under general anesthesia, each tonsil is removed by monopolar cauterization from a recess in the side of the pharynx called the tonsillar fossa. The bleeding is controlled and requires no suture. The total time required for the procedure is about one hour.

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

Patients will no longer experience recurrent infections. They will enjoy reduced pain and improved breathing and sleeping. Patients can return to school and work.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This condition is very treatable, and the operation is highly successful and effective.

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

There are few ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists in Cambodia, and most are concentrated in major cities where services are costly. If patients cannot afford to travel and pay for treatment at hospitals in the city, they self-medicate with painkillers or visit Khmer traditional healers.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The alternatives to this treatment are only short-term fixes to manage pain. If left untreated, throat infections can lead to more serious complications with other organs.

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.