Channy is a 60-year-old rice farmer with one son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. Channy lives with her daughter who works in an office. Her husband is a monk.
Five months ago, Channy developed a pterygium in right, causing her itchiness 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 Channy learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Channy 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 $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 7th.
Channy says, “I really hope the irritation goes away after surgery and I can go outside and do things more easily.”
