Ny is a 59-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has eight children, fifteen grandchildren, and enjoys listening to the radio and watching Khmer movies on television in her spare time.
Two years ago, Ny developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her tearing and photophobia. 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 Ny learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Ny 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 November 5th.
Ny said, “I hope I can see clearly again so I can help take care of my grandchildren and plant vegetables nearby the house.”