Noeun is a 38-year-old rice and potato farmer from Cambodia. She is married with three sons. Noeun lives with her husband who is also a farmer. She enjoys watching Thai and Khmer dramas on TV.
Three years ago, Noeun developed a pterygium in right, causing her burning, irritation, tearing, itchiness, redness, and discomfort with her appearance. 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 Noeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours with her sister seeking treatment. Noeun 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 October 7th.
Noeun said, “I hope after surgery I can feel comfortable and continue my work farming and taking care of my children.”