Chhan is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren.
Approximately three years ago, Chhan developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her 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 Chhan learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Chhan 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 February 13.
She says, “I want to take care of my grandchildren, and I want to plant rice well.”