Savich is a flower seller from Cambodia. She has 12 grandchildren and enjoys watching Thai television dramas in her free time.
Five years ago, Savich developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and irritation. 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 Savich learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Savich 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 22.
She says, “I hope that after my surgery, I am able to see clearly and continue selling morning glory.”