CHRISTIAN ACTS OF SOLIDARITY GIVE SOVANN A NEW LIFE
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Sovann is an 8th
standard Khmer Buddhist Girl who studied at our elementary school in Phum Chreh,
Phnom Penh. Although she is already an adolescent her size is that of 9 years
old!
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| Sovann with Judith |
Her life is signed by
suffering: she is from a very poor family and was born with AVSD
(Atrial-ventricular septal defect).This caused her heart to enlarge and not
function normally. One of her heart valves was also leaking. Her calm and serene gaze reveals intelligence
as well as acceptance of her physical handicap, proper of poor people in this
Country who have no other possibility than that of trying to live with it.
She has frequented our school
since kindergarten – a weak child but attentive and committed in her study. The
Sisters contacted local doctors to see if something could be done for Sovann
but found no possibility available in the Country.
The problem was brought to the
notice of good, catholic Singaporean Doctors and people who come yearly for a
week long volunteering Advent solidarity experience among the poor in our
schools and elsewhere in Cambodia.
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| Sovann at home |
A plan was quickly worked out
by them to take Sovann to Singapore for a thorough investigation of the case
and on the possibility of surgical intervention. The result was positive.
Audrey and Judith, two good and generous hearted Singaporean catholic ladies, took
it to heart to work out every detail for the realization of a surgical
intervention in Singapore on Sovann. Last
August Sovann embarked again a plane with her mother for a journey to new life.
The surgery was carried out by excellent Doctors at KK Hospital and was funded
by the KK Outreach Fund which helps the needy in developing countries.
Much prayer was raised by the
Sisters who had worked hard with Audrey and the Singaporeans to investigate the
case, organize and carry out the enterprise from the Cambodian side.
Great was everyone’s joy and
gratitude toward God for the success of the intervention and on welcoming back
Sovann, a more lively, happy and hopeful
girl. She is now staying with us at our Center for sometime for proper care.
Sr Lina Chiandoto
Phnom Penh 15 September 2013
