Koem Heng is a 62-year-old mother and grandmother. She has three sons and many grandchildren. Sadly, Koem Heng’s husband has passed away. Now, she lives with her youngest son who works as a teacher. In her free time, Koem Heng enjoys watching funny movies on television.
Three years ago, Koem Heng developed a pterygium in her right eye. A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. Pterygiums occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. This causes her itchiness, tearing, and a burning sensation in her right eye. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Koem Heng learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, she will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Now, she needs help raising $216 to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Koem Heng shared, “I hope after surgery my eye itching and tearing stops. I want to walk outside easily and help care for my grandchildren.”