Rosemary is an 80-year-old woman from Kenya. She is a widow with seven children and several grandchildren. Rosemary has spent most of her life cultivating a small piece of land, growing Irish potatoes, beans, and vegetables to feed her family and earn a little income at the local market.
Two years ago, Rosemary developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience gradual worsening blurred and cloudy vision, making it increasingly difficult for her to read, recognize faces, and carry out her daily farming activities. She had also been becoming more sensitive to bright light, while colours appeared duller, and her night vision had been declining. 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 she is not able to go places on her own.
When Rosemary learned about our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, she traveled for two hours to access treatment. On July 15th, doctors will perform an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $244 procedure.
Rosemary shared, “I never appreciated having good eyesight because I thought it was something obvious and guaranteed until I lost it.. Since then, I have learned to appreciate every day of life and every effort that people put into supporting me, because I highly depend on them. Thank you for sharing the little you have with the vulnerable and the open arms to receive me and give me this treatment that will not only restore my sight but also my independence.”