New life, New hope….. for a Sihanoukville Housewife

Mom Sinoun is a 50-year old housewife and mother to two adult children, ages 25 and 20. She lives in Stoeung Chhay district in the province of Sihanoukville, located approximately 230 km from Phnom Penh. Her son and daughter are garment factory workers in the capital. Her husband, 66 years old, is a vicar (acha) at the pagoda and makes a living through donations for his services from pagoda visitors. Mom raises chickens at home for extra income. Together, the couple earns around $60 a month, with $35 coming from her children. Her modest bamboo home of 4m x 5m has no electricity. She has one bicycle, no land to farm and no other livestock to raise. Mom Sinoun came to the hospital for the first time in 2003. A motorcycle accident left her with a broken right hand and head trauma that left her unconscious for a week. Prior to coming to the Center of HOPE, she had tried other hospitals, including her district hospital. One day, a neighbor told her about the Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE (SHCH), explaining that if she sought care there, she would “get a new life because the treatment and the medicines that they provide are such good quality.” Mom Sinoun raised money for transportation and came to Phnom Penh to get care at SHCH. Upon arrival, Mom Sinoun was treated for acute injuries. She was also treated for her chronic thyroid disorder and kidney infection. “The pain and discomfort that has bothered me for so long have gone away. The medicines I received helped me so much.” Through SHCH, Mom has received free medication for her hyperthyroidism as well as high cholesterol medication. “I really appreciate all the staff and doctors here. They take very good care of me. Thank you so much for all the free medicine and the good care.”