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Som Nang's Story

I would like to share a personal story with you:

In 1987, a man by the name of Preap Som Nang became disabled. One day when he was at home, his house was attacked by a group of robbers seraching for money. Since Preap Som Nang had nothing to give them, one of the robbers decided to throw a grenade. Som Nang was badly injured and became paralyzed from the waist down. His mother took care of him and to pay for the hospital bills they had to sell everything. The tragedy made their life very difficult.

In 1995, the JRS in Siem Reap found Som Nang as they surveyd the area for handicapped people. Realizing how difficult Som Nang's and his mother's life were, the JRS decided to help them. Som Nang was provided with a wheelchair and other help.

After his accident, the burden of raising the family was put on the mother's shoulders. However, this caused another problem. The mother's health began to deteriorate. Slowly the mother became sick. Her health got worse and worse until one day she suffered a stroke. The stroke made her body half-paralyzed. This made her mobility more difficult. Both mother and son are now handicapped. The mother uses a stick to support her body and be able to move slowly. Their lives became much more difficult.

In 1999, the JRS decided to help Som Nang once again. This time they helped build a house for the mother and son, and provided them with food. Such help made a difference with regard to their situation. Every three months JRS staff visits the family to follow up on their condition and give them advise and couselling. The visit helps to empower the handicapped mother and son. To help them rebuild their life for a better, challenging future.

The visits really helped Som Nang to think, not only for himself but for the people with disability. He is able to think about the future. He believes that if the Cambodian government will only be true with their tasks of serving its people, with the help of other groups of people such as NGO groups, there will come a time wherein hope and happiness in this world will come true.

Added on 01/12/2005 5:17 pm. No comments have been added.

More Victim Assistance Needed!

My name is Tun Channareth, I am 45 years old, and I travel alot around the world. I travel so much that I do not know how many countries I have visited, and how many landmines survivors I have seen and met. I often speak to adults and young people about the landmines issues because I myself am a landmine survivor. Because I am a survivor, I know all about the suffering that victims of landmines go through all of their lives. I beg all of the people to help and support the survivors. I especially want ALL governments and ALL non-government organizations to think and care about the survivors life. Today I would like to say thank-you to the donors that have given alot of support for demining. I also appreciate the funds given to survivor assistance, even though this is much less. During the 6th Meeting of States Parties I especially want to review how the money used for deming has been used, while survivors have been given much less. With the little amount of money that governments are giving survivors, I cannot see survivors change and re-build their lives. They still need much more assistance. Please give more money to survivors so that they can lead better lives.

Added on 28/11/2005 4:39 pm. No comments have been added.

reth

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