Communicating with others is at the heart of being human.

In Cambodia, more than 600,000 people have a communication or swallowing disorder, yet health services for them are nearly nonexistent.  For Cambodians with a swallowing or speech disorder, it is difficult to speak to loved ones or eat a meal, much less attend school or find a job or do day-to-day tasks that we may take for granted. I only became aware of the devastating impacts of a swallowing disorder when this directly impacted my Grandfather earlier this year.  

I am now in Phnom Penh volunteering for OIC Cambodia in his memory.  OIC Cambodia is a special project under the local non-governmental organisation CABDICO.  "OIC" refers to "Oh, I see!", often exclaimed at a moment of understanding, when something becomes clear.

We are working towards a Cambodia where each of these people receives the help they need to communicate with those around them, and lead full and happy lives.  I really believe in the work that OIC Cambodia is doing and have seen the direct benefits not only for the children, but for the families, during my Siem Reap field visits with CABDICO in its one-on-one home-based rehabilitation speech therapy program and my work with the OIC team in Phnom Penh.

By giving up speech for 24 hours, I hope to raise funds for the young adults and children in Cambodia with communication and swallowing disorders.  I also hope to help raise awareness that swallowing disorders are underestimated - they may result in serious complications include malnutrition, pneumonia and death and affect those closest to us, young and old.  The repercussions of these disorders are not only physical, but also emotional and social, leading to altered quality of life and social isolation.

Funds raised by my Day Without Speech challenge will primarily go towards helping teachers include children with communication disabilities better in the classroom and create a university program to train Cambodians to be speech therapists.

With your support, children and families will receive the right support to communicate with each other and others.  I would love it if you would join me on this Cambodian journey - we would be most grateful for any donation as every cent helps.