Sameth is a 55-year-old proud grandmother from Cambodia. She is married with two daughters, three sons, and six beautiful grandchildren. Sameth lives with her husband, who is a construction worker. When not helping her children care for the grandchildren, she likes to listen to the news on the radio.
Two years ago, Sameth developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her redness, 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, Sameth has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside.
When Sameth learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, she will undergo surgery to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. CSC is requesting $225 for the total cost of this surgery, which includes medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Sameth said, “After surgery, I hope I will see better and not worry about it anymore. I hope to do housework and not be ashamed of how my eye looks.”
