Yem is an 83-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. Many of her family members passed away during the Khmer Rouge regime, and her husband passed away ten years ago, but she now lives with her brother in the countryside in Prey Veang province. She is a devout Buddhist and enjoys going to the pagodas in the region. She also listens to the news on the radio and makes traditional Khmer foods.
Five years ago, Yem developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and itchiness. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside.
When Yem learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three-and-a-half hours by taxi seeking treatment. On August 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification 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.
Yem shared, “I would be so happy to be able to see well enough to travel by myself so I can go to my favorite pagodas again. I would also like to cook for my brother again.”