Ken is a retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. She is a strong 70-year-old widow who lost her husband to tuberculosis eight years ago. She has one daughter, three sons, and five grandchildren whom she loves dearly. After her husband passed away, she moved in with her youngest daughter, who now runs their rice farm. She enjoys listening to monks pray on the radio and finds comfort in visiting the pagoda regularly.
About one year ago, Ken developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She often stays indoors for days at a time because she cannot tolerate the bright sun or see in low light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.
When Ken learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Ken is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment, and needs help raising $153 more to fund the procedure.
Ken says: “I hope that following the surgery, I will have good enough vision to grow some vegetables around my daughter’s home. I look forward to being able to care for myself, and to help my daughter around the home.”