Neang is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has three sons, four daughters, and eighteen grandchildren. She enjoys joining celebrations and reading books.
Twenty years ago, Neang developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her irritation, tearing, and blurred 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 Neang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Neang 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for May 2.
She says, “I look forward to reading good books and leading an independent life after surgery.”