Cheng is a 78-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. Her husband passed away during the Khmer Rouge regime, and she lives with her elderly sister. Previously, they farmed rice to eat and sell at the local market until they could no longer manage the farm. They are now supported by relatives. Cheng works hard to maintain her home and enjoys going to the local pagoda in her free time to listen to the monks pray and cook meals for them.
About three years ago, Cheng developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She can no longer walk by herself to the village pagoda during the day, as she cannot see well in bright light and needs help navigating the muddy streets during the monsoon season. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out alone.
When Cheng learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 1st, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.
Cheng shared, “I hope, after surgery, I can see better. I want to plant some vegetables around the house to help our diet and give them to the neighbors. I do not want to be a burden to my neighbors or my sister.”