Saroeun is a mother of three from Cambodia. She’s married and has one daughter, two sons, and three grandchildren. She lives with her husband who a farmer, while Saroeun is a server at a restaurant. In her free time she enjoys watching Khmer shows and movies.
Saroeun developed a pterygium in her left eye about five years ago, causing her itching, irritation, pain, and tearing. 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 Saroeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour by tuk tuk with her son seeking treatment. Saroeun 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 November 19th.
Saroeun said, “I hope my eye gets well soon so I can earn some money to support my family.”