Area couple bring woman to U.S. for life-saving surgery
By Anthony Gottschlich
Staff Writer
Dayton Daily News (Ohio, USA)
PIQUA — Without surgery, the slow-growing brain tumor would surely kill Chanthorn Thong within two years, her doctors in Cambodia predicted.
In Piqua, Michelle and David Littlejohn couldn't let that happen.
Not to the 18-year-old aunt to their adopted daughter, Cambodian-born Summer, 12. Not to the woman who, despite months of sickness, radiation and the loss of her hair, Michelle Littlejohn calls "still the happiest, smiling, (most) giggly girl you'll ever meet."
But removing the second of two tumors afflicting Thong is beyond the medical expertise available in her native Phnom Penh. That's why Thong (pronounced "tong") is on her way to the Miami Valley this weekend to prepare for surgery at the University of Cincinnati Hospital, where world-renown neurosurgeon Dr. John M. Tew has agreed to perform the operation for free.
"We think it's the right thing to do, Dr. Tew thinks it's the right thing to do and we're trying to help," said Tom Rosenberger, spokesman for the Mayfield Clinic, an affiliate of the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati and University Hospital.
Tew, the Neuroscience Institute's medical director, was out of town Friday and could not be reached for comment. Thong's surgery has not yet been scheduled.
With Thong's grim prognosis, Michelle Littlejohn wrote to doctors and hospitals across the United States this year asking for help. Most didn't respond, she said.
Then in July, Littlejohn, a dental hygienist, learned about Dr. Tew from a patient.
"I emailed Dr. Tew on a Wednesday and on Thursday night at 10:07 he called me and said, 'I want her records, and if I can help her I'll help her,' " Littlejohn recalled. "He told me, 'I am sorry I called you so late,' and I said, 'With this news you could call me at 2 a.m.!' "
After some bureaucratic hassles, Thong was awarded her visa and given the green light to America on Monday, when she phoned the Littlejohns with the good news.
"There was a lot of celebrating on this side of the world, and a lot of celebrating on that side of the world," Littlejohn said.
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Fundraiser on Sunday
While the surgeon is waiving his fee for Chanthorn Thong's brain surgery, plenty of other related expenses remain for the Cambodian resident and her Piqua relatives.
That's why Michelle and David Littlejohn are holding a fundraiser from noon-5 p.m. Sunday at CJ's Market at 1601 Nicklin Ave. in Piqua. A DJ will be on hand, as well as a concert by Fred Lee and a karaoke contest. The event will also feature games for children, food and baked goods for sale, a 50/50 drawing and several raffle items.
In Piqua, Michelle and David Littlejohn couldn't let that happen.
Not to the 18-year-old aunt to their adopted daughter, Cambodian-born Summer, 12. Not to the woman who, despite months of sickness, radiation and the loss of her hair, Michelle Littlejohn calls "still the happiest, smiling, (most) giggly girl you'll ever meet."
But removing the second of two tumors afflicting Thong is beyond the medical expertise available in her native Phnom Penh. That's why Thong (pronounced "tong") is on her way to the Miami Valley this weekend to prepare for surgery at the University of Cincinnati Hospital, where world-renown neurosurgeon Dr. John M. Tew has agreed to perform the operation for free.
"We think it's the right thing to do, Dr. Tew thinks it's the right thing to do and we're trying to help," said Tom Rosenberger, spokesman for the Mayfield Clinic, an affiliate of the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati and University Hospital.
Tew, the Neuroscience Institute's medical director, was out of town Friday and could not be reached for comment. Thong's surgery has not yet been scheduled.
With Thong's grim prognosis, Michelle Littlejohn wrote to doctors and hospitals across the United States this year asking for help. Most didn't respond, she said.
Then in July, Littlejohn, a dental hygienist, learned about Dr. Tew from a patient.
"I emailed Dr. Tew on a Wednesday and on Thursday night at 10:07 he called me and said, 'I want her records, and if I can help her I'll help her,' " Littlejohn recalled. "He told me, 'I am sorry I called you so late,' and I said, 'With this news you could call me at 2 a.m.!' "
After some bureaucratic hassles, Thong was awarded her visa and given the green light to America on Monday, when she phoned the Littlejohns with the good news.
"There was a lot of celebrating on this side of the world, and a lot of celebrating on that side of the world," Littlejohn said.
===
Fundraiser on Sunday
While the surgeon is waiving his fee for Chanthorn Thong's brain surgery, plenty of other related expenses remain for the Cambodian resident and her Piqua relatives.
That's why Michelle and David Littlejohn are holding a fundraiser from noon-5 p.m. Sunday at CJ's Market at 1601 Nicklin Ave. in Piqua. A DJ will be on hand, as well as a concert by Fred Lee and a karaoke contest. The event will also feature games for children, food and baked goods for sale, a 50/50 drawing and several raffle items.
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