Sorphorn is a 33-year-old waitress from Cambodia who has three brothers and five sisters. She likes to play games and interact with friends on Facebook.
About three years ago, Sorphorn developed a pterygium in each eye. A pterygium is a wing-shaped growth of tissue that appears as a membrane on the surface of the eye. The growth extends into the center of the eye and is typically noticed when it begins to cover the iris. Common symptoms include burning and tearing, as Sorphorn is experiencing. Because of her condition, Sorphorn feels uncomfortable when she works and travels.
Sorphorn traveled with her brother for one hour to reach our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for treatment. On December 26, surgeons at CSC will surgically remove the pterygium from each of Sorphorn’s eyes. CSC is requesting $148 to pay for two days of hospital care, eye ointments, medicine to reduce pain and prevent infection, and one consultation with the eye doctor.
“I hope my eyes look better so that I don’t feel shy around everyone anymore,” shares Sorphorn. “I want to feel comfortable when I work and go anywhere outside.”