Varn is a 60-year-old retired rice farmer and loving grandmother. She and her husband- who is also a retired rice farmer- have one son, three daughters, and five grandchildren.
Five years ago, Varn developed a pterygium in her right eye. As a result, she experiences itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. These growths occur when the conjunctiva is damaged because of excessive sun exposure, making the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, Varn’s vision is impaired, negatively impacting her independence.
Varn needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface, and to replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. With the help of our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, this procedure is now scheduled for April 24th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. The total cost of Varn’s treatment- including medications, supplies, and two days of inpatient care- is $225, and Varn needs your help to fund this procedure.
Varn said: “I hope the irritation will stop and I can take care of myself and my grandchildren well.”