Vorn is a 70-year-old mother of three. She has one daughter, two sons, and now nine grandchildren. Vorn shared that her husband passed away many years ago, and she lives with her daughter, who is a food seller. In her free time, Vorn likes to listen to the news and the monks pray on the radio.
Five years ago, Vorn developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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. As a result, Vorn has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside.
When Vorn learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for an hour and a half hoping for treatment. On March 7th, she will undergo surgery to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. CSC is requesting $216 for this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Vorn says, “After surgery, I hope my eye stops tearing, and I will be able to see better. I want to take care of myself and my grandchildren.”