Senghong is a potato farmer from Cambodia. She has eight grandchildren. She likes to look after her grandkids and tend to her farm.
Ten years ago, Senghong developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Senghong learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for five hours seeking treatment. Senghong 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 18.
She says, “I want to be able to go outside on my own and use my phone.”