Vortey is an 11-year-old sixth grader who lives in a rural village with her parents and two younger brothers. Her mother runs a juice street cart, and her father is an electrician. In her free time, Vortey likes to play with friends and do art. She wants to attend university and become a doctor when she grows up.
Since she was about five years old, Vortey has had a recurring ear infection which caused a cholesteatoma - an abnormal skin growth - to develop behind her ear drum. Because of this, Vortey experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. She has difficulty hearing in school and feels self-conscious around her classmates.
Vortey traveled to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, to receive treatment. On March 7th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her right ear to remove the cholesteatoma. CSC is requesting $926 to fund this procedure, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care.
Vortey said she is looking forward to improving her hearing so that she has a better future.