A Success Story for Ratha

Meet Ratha, a bright seven-year-old from Phnom Penh. She lives with her parents and two siblings; her father supports the family by working in a printer supply store.  Thanks to the generous donors who contributed through our partner, WATSI, and others, Ratha now has the opportunity to grow normally and improve her overall quality of life.

Ratha was born with a form of dwarfism, a genetic condition she has inherited from her father. People with dwarfism have very short stature as well as other related medical issues. Ratha’s parents came to us, worried about her “bowlegs,” a common term used for the medical term “genu varum.” All babies are born with it, but when a child has the genetic tendency, the bowing can worsen, leading to problems with walking, increased deformity, and progressive knee degeneration. Overt physical disabilities like this in children often lead to shunning by others, absence of opportunity, and social isolation.

Ratha's parents were fortunate to discover CSC and our team of surgeons, nurses, and other professionals who specialize in treating individuals with disabilities. Our facility recently treated Ratha with bilateral guided growth surgery, using specialized small metal plates and screws to direct her future bone growth. This specialist equipment was recently donated by the Women's International Group, Cambodia (https://www.wigcambodia.org/). The plates and screws work by gradually correct angular deformities, such as “bowed legs” and “knock knees,” in children's bones, and we are incredibly grateful to have this equipment donated to us.

Healing will take about 2 months, and Ratha is looking forward to riding her bike with her brother, thanks to our many donors, our excellent surgeons, Dr. Saqib, and Dr. Puei, and our fantastic team. Her treatment at CSC is only possible thanks to the ONGOING support of donors and partners. Please consider joining our ONLINE DONOR PORTAL. You won't regret it, and every penny of your donation will go to the care of our patients and the continuation of our mission.