Mai is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He has one son, one daughter, and two grandchildren. He likes to listen to monks pray on the radio.
Two years ago, Mai developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him photophobia, irritation, sometimes tearing, and blurred vision. 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Mai learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Mai 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 his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 4.
He says, “I want to be able to go to the pagoda, join in ceremonies, and continue my farming.”