Ngawang after her second successful surgery on an Interplast program in April of 2025.
We first met eleven-year-old Ngawang last year, when Interplast volunteers worked with local Bhutanese clinicians to treat severe burn scarring across her hand and body.
Dr Sonam Jamtsho, Dr Michael McCleave and hand therapist Megan Fitzgerald were pleased to see her return to the clinic to meet them earlier this year. Since her last treatment, she has kept up her physical therapy sessions in preparation for her second surgery on an Interplast program.
Ngawang spoke with Interplast ambassador and program observer Sam Squires about her injury, experiences and treatment with Interplast.
Despite her anxiety at the idea of another operation, Ngawang stayed positive as she chatted to Sam.
“I thought I was like, … not able to do anything. Like, I thought I was not going to be able to help my parents with many things.” She spoke candidly about her worries after her accident, “My father’s a painter, so I wanted to help him. And I couldn’t paint like him.”
Her worries caused her to withdraw socially, and she began to struggle with her schoolwork. However, she did not give up, and pursued her hobbies, like soccer. She smiles saying how she helped her team win a match as their goalkeeper.
“Yesterday I had a dream about, like, having the dressings and still playing. It was funny!”
Megan Fitzgerald helps Ngawang splint her fingers after surgery.
While Ngawang still faces more surgeries, the scariest part of her ordeal is over, and with the right care she felt hopeful about her achieving her dreams. She looks forward to playing soccer again with full use of her hands, and becoming a nun and a lawyer.
Acknowledgements
Ngawang’s treatment would not have been possible without Rotary Canning River and our other generous funders, our volunteers and partners in Bhutan. Thank you to all for your commitment to the care and wellbeing of the people of Bhutan.
