Sunlang is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has one son and two daughters. She lives in the Tboung Thmom province. She enjoys watching films and reading about Buddha.
Two years ago, Sunlang developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, itching, 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 Sunlang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Sunlang 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 June 11.
She says, “I hope my vision is clear so I can sell vegetables to support my family. I want to help take care of my grandchildren and lead an independent life.”