A year after traveling to Taiwan for surgery, a young Cambodian girl named Sok Reaksa greeted the returning medical team with a bright, confident smile. Gone was the shy, introverted child they had first met. In her place stood a cheerful student whose transformation illustrates the lasting impact of continuous care. The medical team from Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital traveled back to Cambodia to visit Sok Reaksa, witnessing the physical recovery and renewed spirit she has experienced since her treatment for a severe facial hemangioma.
A joyful return to school
On the morning of July 20, the medical team arrived at Sok Reaksa‘s school, where they were warmly welcomed by the principal, teachers, and students. The school faculty noted that since returning from her surgery, Sok Reaksa has recovered well and grown noticeably taller. She now displays a newfound confidence, actively participating in class and making friends, finally enjoying the carefree days typical of childhood.
To encourage the students, the visiting team distributed water bottles and pencil cases. The doctors reminded the children to stay hydrated in the hot weather and encouraged them to study hard and dream big.
Perhaps in the near future, some of you will become doctors, nurses, or medical professionals, continuing to pass on the warmth you have received to others in need. — Medical Team, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital
Rebuilding family life
Following the school visit, the team traveled to Sok Reaksa's home. Upon seeing the familiar faces of the medical staff, Sok Reaksa's grandmother was moved to tears. Remembering a few phrases in Mandarin, she warmly greeted the visitors, creating an atmosphere that felt like a family reunion. She held the hands of the medical professionals tightly, expressing her deep gratitude for the international assistance that not only restored her granddaughter's health but also brought a sense of normal, peaceful life back to their home.
A complex path to recovery
The connection began on September 15, 2024, during a free clinic in Cambodia. The Samdech Techo Voluntary Youth Doctor Association (TYDA) encountered nine-year-old Sok Reaksa, who had been living with a massive hemangioma on her right cheek since birth. Recognizing the limited local medical resources, the association reached out to Tzu Chi Foundation for assistance.
Sok Reaksa made her first trip to Taiwan for initial assessments at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital on December 15, 2024. She returned on February 16, 2025, to begin her treatment. On February 18, she underwent a five-and-a-half-hour vascular embolization to safely reduce the size of the tumor. Immediately following this, Dr. Chieh-Chi Huang (黃介琦), head of the plastic surgery department, led a team in an eight-and-a-half-hour procedure to successfully remove the hemangioma. Finally, Dr. Hung-Ta Hsu (許宏達) performed a flap transplant to repair the area. The seamless coordination of the medical team ensured the high-risk surgery was completed safely, paving the way for a major change in Sok Reaksa's life.
Medical care is more than treating illnesses; it is a profound companionship of life. — Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital
The continuing story of Sok Reaksa illustrates that care does not end when a surgery is completed; it involves walking alongside patients and their families as they build a healthier future. The assistance provided to this young girl has planted seeds of kindness in her community, demonstrating how compassionate action can help individuals reclaim their lives and foster hope for the days ahead.
Written by Phoebe Chen (陳姿穎), Szu-Ching Shen (申斯靜)
