Lay is an energetic 84-year-old. Since her beloved husband passed away 10 years ago, Lay has lived alone in Kampong Cham province, near her sister. For many years, she and her husband tended rice paddies in their province, but she is now retired and spends her days listening to monks chant on the radio or visiting with her sister.
One year ago, Lay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. As she finds it difficult to take walks outside, she often stays alone in the house and feels very lonely. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.
When Lay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On February 5th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant a new lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.
She said: "I hope after surgery, I can go outside again and grow vegetables in my garden to eat."