Chan is a 60-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She is divorced and has one daughter, two sons, and three grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a garment worker in a local factory. When she is at home, she enjoys watching the news and movies on television.
Two years ago, Chan developed a pterygium, or a non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growth occurs when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. The pterygium is causing her redness, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision in her left eye. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chan learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 11th, Chan will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Now, she needs help raising $225 to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Chan shared, “I hope after surgery my eye will feel comfortable again and will look better. I want to feel happy and go back to planting rice well.”
