Taing is a 60-year-old farmer who is married with one daughter, four sons, and six grandchildren. Taing lives with her husband and their daughter, who is a farmer. Taing shared that she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio.
Five years ago, Taing developed a pterygium in her right eye. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. They occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, Taing experiences tearing, burning, blurry vision, and discomfort with her appearance. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside.
When Taing learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 4th, Taing will undergo surgery to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft. CSC is requesting $216 for the total cost of Taing’s procedure, which includes medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Taing says, “I hope I don’t have to worry about my eye anymore, and I will be able to feel comfortable and see well.”
