Yong is a 46-year-old housewife from Cambodia. She has three children, four grandchildren, and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in her spare time.
Eight years ago, Yong developed a pterygium in left, causing her tearing, irritation, and redness. 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 Yong learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. Yong 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 December 17th.
“I hope that the tearing and irritation in my eyes will stop and I will be able to see clearly again,” Yong shared.