Morm is a 34-year-old rice farmer. He is married and has one son who is a student in fifth grade. His wife works as a garment worker. When he is not working in the fields, he enjoys playing volleyball and singing songs with his son.
Three years ago, Morm developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, 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. He worries about his condition and fears that he may lose his vision in the future.
When Morm learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, he will undergo 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 his procedure is $216, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Morm shared, “I hope after surgery my eye stops tearing and burning. I want to be happy and go to the farm fields to feed my family and save money to send my son to school.”