Chhoeun is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons, three daughters, and twenty grandchildren. She enjoys visiting the local pagoda when she is not working.
One year ago, Chhoeun developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurry 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chhoeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Chhoeun 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 March 12.
Her son says, “My mom can’t go outside by herself. She needs me to help her. She wants to lead an independent life again.”