Thon is a 62-year-old woman who collects recyclables around her community to earn a living. Sadly, her husband passed away over twenty years ago. She has four sons, who all work in construction. Thon lives with her niece, who helps her sort through refuse for recycling. When she is not working, she likes to watch movies on television.
Things have gotten more difficult for her recently as two years ago, Thon developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her constant eye irritation 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.
When Thon learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping to have treatment. On March 3rd, she will undergo 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 $216, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Thon shared, “after surgery, I hope my eye feels comfortable and won’t burn or be irritated. I can continue my work outside with my niece and not worry about my eye anymore.”