Than is a stay-at-home grandmother from Cambodia. She loves watching Thai dramas dubbed in Khmer.
Ten years ago, Than developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and itchiness. 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 Than learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for thirty minutes seeking treatment. Than 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 13.
She says, “I want to help take care of my grandchildren.”
