When Karma was just seven months old, he had a terrible accident with a stove, suffering severe burns and serious injuries to his hand. Living in a remote village in Bhutan, Karma’s family struggled to access the specialist care he needed to recover. The hospital was too far away, and treatment was expensive. Doctors at their local health centre treated Karma’s injuries as best they could – but unfortunately, this meant Karma’s fingers fused together in a tight ball.
Throughout his life, Karma has struggled with limited mobility, and his injury caused him physical and emotional pain. But thanks to the incredible kindness of people like you, he has new hope for the future.
Now aged 28, Karma followed his dream to become a monk, but the journey has been hard. He struggled to fulfil his duties. He was unable to grip items with both hands and play drums in ceremonies like his peers. He also had difficulty completing his studies while on retreat in the mountains.
With four years remaining in his studies as a novice Buddhist monk, Karma was unsure he could achieve his dream. Then he discovered Interplast was supporting the Bajo Hospital clinical team, providing specialist surgery to patients like him. He attended an appointment, hoping he might finally access the care he needed to change his life.
Karma’s hand before his surgery.
With no X-rays to guide them, Interplast’s volunteer surgeon, Dr Michael McCleave and local surgeon Dr Sonam Jamtsho did not know what they would find until they opened the tight fist Karma’s hand had become.
“It’s a bit unique, so we had a couple of plans. I wanted to try and deepen and create ‘webspace’ between his thumb and index finger, giving him the ability to pinch,” explained Dr McCleave.
Dr Michael McCleave and Dr Sonam Jamtsho discuss their approach.
Dr McCleave and Dr Jamtsho undertook the complex operation with the support of the hospital’s clinical team, and everything went smoothly. While he needs to return to hospital for further treatment, the wonderful news is Karma will likely be able to grip small objects. He is now looking forward to returning to his mountain home to meditate after his surgery.
This life changing outcome, made possible by generous supporters like you, is a vital step toward Karma reclaiming his independence and a role in his spiritual practice.
We hope to follow up with him on our next surgical program in Bhutan.
Karma with Interplast ambassador and program observer Sam Squiers after his successful surgery.
Acknowledgements
Karma’s surgery, and the rest of the incredible outcomes of this program, wouldn’t have been possible without Rotary Canning River and other generous funders. We also want to thank our volunteers and partners in Bhutan for their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm throughout the program.
