Pha is a housewife from Cambodia. She has one daughter, one son, and two grandchildren. She likes to watch the news.
Twenty years ago, Pha developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her irritation, tearing, and blurred 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 Pha learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Pha 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 October 16.
She says, “I look forward to helping to take care of my grandchildren.”