Em is a 42-year-old rice farmer. She’s married and has four daughters and one grandchild. Em’s husband is a construction worker. In her free time, Em likes to listen to music and the news on the radio.
Five years ago, Em developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness and tearing. 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. Em has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Em learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 19th, Em will undergo surgery to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. CSC is helping Em raise $225 to cover this procedure, medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Em says, “I hope after surgery my eye stops tearing and burning. I want to go plant rice and not worry about it anymore!”