Sem is a 61-year-old rice farmer from Kampong Speu province. She is married with three sons, one daughter, and seven precious grandchildren. She lives with her husband and her youngest son, who are both rice farmers. In addition, her husband likes to fix houses in the off-season to make extra money for their family. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio, and help to care for her grandchildren.
One year ago, Sem developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her difficulty seeing in bright or low lights, and blurry vision. Sem shared she has trouble doing simple household tasks because of her poor eyesight.
When Sem learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.
Sem said: “I hope after surgery I can see again. I want to go outside to help my family plant rice and cook for them again.”