Cha Sak is a 33-year-old mother who currently works in restaurant service. Cha Sak lives with her parents and her 5-year-old son. In her spare time, she likes to watch Khmer movies on the TV.
Five years ago, Cha Sak developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her tearing and irritation in her eyes. 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. As a result, Cha Sak has difficulty seeing things clearly, working, and going places on her own.
When Cha Sak learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping to finally have her eye treated. Cha Sak 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Her procedure is scheduled for February 16th.
Cha Sak shared, “I hope after surgery my eye feels more comfortable, and that the irritation and tearing will disappear. I want to go back to work to support my son’s studies.”