Lai is a 39-year-old rice farmer who lives with her husband, who is also a farmer, and their three sons, who are all students. These days, she is not able to work in the rice field because of her eye condition. Instead, she stays home and takes care of her children. When she is not chasing after her sons, she likes to watch movies on TV.
Five years ago, Lai developed a pterygium in her left eye causing her itching, tearing, and limiting her 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 in the bright day.
When Lai learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 22nd, she will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Now, she needs help raising $216 to fund the cost of her procedure and care.
Lai shared, “I hope my eye stops all the irritation and tearing after surgery. I want to help my husband at the rice field and can cook for my family.”
