Chan Sath is a 50-year-old rice farmer with one daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren. Her husband passed away, and she lives near her daughter who is a farmer. Chan Sath likes to watch movies on TV.
Five years ago, Chan Sath developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, itchiness, 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chan Sath learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for seven and a half hours seeking treatment. Chan Sath 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 $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 7th.
Chan Sath shared, “I hope after surgery my eye can see clearly so I can plant rice well.”