Sam is a 50-year-old cleaner from Cambodia. She has one son, one daughter, and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in her spare time.
Fifteen years ago, Sam developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her irritation, 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Sam learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. Sam 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 December 12th.
“I hope that my aunt’s eye will feel better and she will no longer have any tearing or irritation so she can return to her work again.” -Sam’s Niece