Srey is a 50-year-old farmer from Cambodia with three sons, one daughter, and one grandchild. Her husband passed away two years ago from heart disease. She shared with us that she enjoys watching Khmer dramas on TV.
Five years ago, Srey developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, burning, tearing, redness, and discomfort with her appearance. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Srey learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours with her daughter seeking treatment. Srey needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 22nd.
Srey said, “I hope the doctors can remove the pterygium so I can feel good and plant rice well again to support our needs.”