Son is a 64-year-old retired rice farmer who has two daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren. Since retiring from the rice fields, she is working some hours for a construction company, where her husband and youngest son also work. In her free time, Son likes caring for her grandchildren and visiting her local pagoda to pray.
Ten years ago, Son developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Son learned about our medical partner Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Son needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence, which is scheduled for July 17th. Son is able to contribute $50 and needs help with $225 to cover the cost of medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
She shared, “I hope I can see more clearly so I can do more to look after my grandchildren, and I would like to plant more vegetables around my house.”