Woman Strains to See in Thailand

Khun Tuh-Lue was weary of seeing only blurry strands of light and shapes. The 64-year-old Thai woman had suffered with cataracts in both eyes for more than three years. Pounding headaches were a constant part of her life when she strained to see. Life had been a daily struggle when Tuh-Lue’s sight had been normal. Now she was helpless and dependent on others for most everything.

Last August, Tuh-Lue heard about Operation Blessing’s medical mission to Mae Hong Son. What got her excited though was when a volunteer doctor examined her eyes and told her there was a chance she would be able to see again! The precious lady was even more amazed when Operation Blessing Thailand sponsored her cataract surgery.

Arrangements were made and Tuh-Lue traveled to Chiangmai. On September 9th, she underwent a successful 20-minute operation. Tuh-Lue excitedly told everyone around her that she could see clearly for the first time in years. The new, independent woman returned to her hometown with new vision and a bright outlook for what the future had in store for her.

Hundreds Receive Medical Care
Khun Tuh-Lue was one of 842 adults and children who received medical care during our 28th medical mission in Thailand. We partnered with Van Sant Voord Hospital and the faculty of the Nursing/Payap University.

The majority of the people living in the remote Pongsa sub district are from the hill tribes of Karen, Hmong, Muser and Lisu. They are mostly poor farmers who grow and sell rice, cabbage, beans and tangerines. One has to travel across the hilly terrain in order to see a doctor at government clinics. When a family member is seriously ill or hurt, he or she has to travel more than 100 km to receive proper treatment at Nakhorn Ping hospital in Chiangmai Province. This is a society where cars are not a part of their every day lives.

During the medical mission our team worked hard to see 689 general cases, 143 dental patients and perform 1 surgery as well as give 16 referrals for tumors, muscle disorders, cataracts, thyroid and a herpes virus that caused one woman to lose an eye. We treated all of the patients who received referrals just like Khun Tuh-Lue – all of their transportation arrangements and medical costs were covered.

It is hard to imagine living in such a rural place that you can’t go to a nearby doctor’s office or get to the hospital quickly. Every week, teams of Operation Blessing volunteers trek through the jungles and climb over hills bringing free medical care and medicine to hundreds of people who can’t afford these services otherwise.

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