The surgery on 17 September 2018 was a success! Though it cannot reverse the spinal cord damage, the surgery has greatly improved little Channey’s muscle and bladder function. And the excruciating pain in her legs that used to torment her daily has reduced significantly within a week of the surgery, and she is now able to pass urine normally. Mummy Thyda and Channey have since returned home to Cambodia after being given a clean bill of health by the Singapore neurosurgeon. During this time, our colleagues in Cambodia will continue to care for them – the little girl will be put on medical review for the next 2 years.

It was a glorious moment for 6-year-old Channey when she heard that she would be able to go home. Excitedly, she wanted to change out of the hospital gown and ventured out of the room that she had been in for the whole week. She took her first 10 steps gingerly from the bed to the door, and then walked out along the corridor maintaining her balance. Cheers to this little hero for her bravery and tenacious spirit!

Mummy Thyda and Channey are so grateful to all who have supported them financially and in prayers. They are very thankful for a new chance at life with the operation. Thyda cooked a special Khmer dish for guests who attended the sharing event (on 27 Sep) where she shared her story and thanked all who contributed towards the surgery.

Early in 2018, we were informed by our office in Cambodia about 6-year-old Channey’s critical leg condition. The child’s medical case was closed by the Cambodia hospitals as they could not find the solution for the child’s severe pain in her legs and certain that she would eventually become paralysed in a few years’ time. Despite Hagar’s limited resources, we made a decision to fly the child and her mother to Singapore for specialist consultation on 2 September 2018.

When Channey was 1, she started developing pain in her legs and gradually, had difficulty moving and bending her ankles. A daily torturous routine, the child would wake up every night screaming because of the excruciating pain. Lacking the necessary expertise and medical technologies, the Cambodia hospitals are unable to treat her further – a similar kind of death sentence that once gripped her mother, Thyda when she discovered she was pregnant with Channey after being brutally raped at 16.

Since 3 September, Channey was seen by a team of specialists to investigate her spine and nerve, and infrequent urination conditions. Diagnosed with Spina Bifida, a congenital disorder, the scans showed that the child’s backbone had failed to join together at the bottom of her spine causing tethered cord and abnormal stretching of the spinal cord. If early intervention through surgery is not done, Channey will gradually lose the ability to walk and die at a young age.

All medical costs (including pre and post-operation support) have been fully covered with the generous support of many kind donors. The hospital and attending specialists have been extremely supportive by waiving and subsidising as many treatment costs as possible. Even though such elevated medical treatment is outside of Hagar’s standard provision of care to our clients, there is no way to turn our backs because the value of Channey’s life is one that we can never put a price on.

Thank you for your encouragement to this young family to live on courageously.

Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for each of its clients. To protect the identity of our clients, names have been changed and images do not necessarily represent the individual profiled.

Help us transform lives

Join HAGAR to empower survivors of trafficking and abuse to start a new life.

Help us transform lives

Join HAGAR to empower survivors of trafficking and abuse to start a new life.

Help us transform lives

Join HAGAR to empower survivors of trafficking and abuse to start a new life.

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