Saran is a mother of seven with three sons, four daughters, and seven grandchildren. Saran and her husband are both rice farmers. They also raise cows and pigs, and she enjoys feeding them every day. After each harvest season ends, she and her husband like to plant vegetables to earn extra money. In her free time, Saran likes to watch TV and listen news on the radio.
Ten years ago, Saran developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her irritation, itchiness, and a pinkish tissue growth over her eye. 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 Saran learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours with her husband seeking treatment. Saran 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 1st.
Saran shared, “I hope that after surgery my eye will look better, and that I will be able to go anywhere without being ashamed about my eye. I look forward to returning to taking care of grandchildren and helping my husband with the farm.”