Hangatu is a 60-year-old mother of four from Ethiopia. For many years, she and her husband worked on their farm, until her husband died about a year ago. Following this, Hangatu’s son, his wife and their children moved in with her. Presently, the whole household lives and works together, depending on the farm for food and income.
Over the past four years, a cataract has slowly clouded Hangatu’s right eye. At first, her vision was only a little blurry, but it kept getting worse. Now the eye is completely clouded, and she can barely see out of it. She struggles to see clearly, judge distances, and move around safely, especially in bright sunlight or at dusk. Simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, and walking independently have become hard. Farm work, which needs good eyesight and steady hands, is now difficult and sometimes unsafe. She worries about falling or hurting herself while working.
Hangatu, who has always been hardworking and independent, is now unable to contribute the way she used to, and relies on her son and his family for help.
Fortunately, Hangatu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Hangatu needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure.
She says, “I am worried about living in darkness. If I get an opportunity to see again, I will work beside my son, help my family, and take care of myself like before.”