Sang is a food vendor from Cambodia. She has three daughters and two grandchildren. She likes to watch Khmer films and concerts on TV.
Four years ago, Sang developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her blurred vision, itching, 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 Sang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Sang 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 24.
She says, “I hope I am looking good after surgery, can continue my work, and go anywhere outside on my own.”