Soem is a widow and retired farmer who has three daughters, four sons, and many grandchildren. Her husband passed away a long time ago during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, so she lives with her youngest daughter, who is also a farmer. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio and go to the local pagoda.
Two years ago, Soem developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and tearing. She can only see shadows, and so she doesn’t venture outside often. She would like to be helpful to her family but shared that she feels useless because she cannot see well.
When Soem learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 15th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure.
“I hope after surgery I can see well again,” says Soem. “I want to see the faces of my family and go to the pagoda by myself.”