Hay is a 46-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has three sons, and enjoys watching Thai television dramas in her free time.
Two years ago, Hay developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurry vision, irritation, 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 Hay learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. Hay 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 April 30.
She says, “I hope that my surgery is successful so I can continue with my work and the rice farm, and go anywhere I want to by myself.”