Chanthou is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has one son, five daughters, and two grandchildren. She likes to watch Indian dramas on TV.
Twenty years ago, Chanthou developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, and burning. 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 Chanthou learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Chanthou 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 November 5.
Her daughter says, “I hope my mom’s surgery is a success so she can see better.”