Vanna is a 66-year-old widow. She has two sons, two daughters, and five grandchildren. Vanna lives in Kampong Cham province in Cambodia and sells vegetables at the local market. She lives with her youngest daughter who is a garment worker at a local market. When she has free time, she enjoys joining ceremonies at the local pagoda in her village.
Five years ago, Vanna 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Vanna needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 28th.
Vanna said: “I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go back to selling at the market to support my family.”