Samoeun is a 57-year-old with one son, two daughters, and two grandchildren. She lives with her husband who works as a security guard at a train station. When she is not cleaning or cooking for her family, she likes to watch movies on television.
Five years ago, Samoeun 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.
When Samoeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On December 3rd, she will undergo 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, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Samoeun shared, “I hope after surgery my eye will feel comfortable and I can do housework and take care of my children.”