An is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has three sons, five daughters, and fifteen grandchildren. She likes to watch TV and take care of her grandchildren.
One year ago, An developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, and itching. 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.
When An learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. An needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 5.
She says, “I hope the surgery is successful so I can see clearly and can return to work.”