Esther has been living in the small village of Momoniat, nestled in the heart of Megun Location, Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, for more than 45 years. Her home, a modest abode with mud walls and a corrugated rooftop, has been a sanctuary for her family.
She is a wife and a mother of four and her family, like so many others in her village, has faced hardships that seem insurmountable. Her children, eager to learn and grow, were forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints. Instead, they worked as casual labourers, their young dreams cast aside to fend for the family.
After decades helping farm her small piece of land, Esther began struggling with vision impairment. For three long years, she battled bilateral cataracts, losing not only her vision but also her independence. The simplest tasks became challenging, and she could no longer contribute to her family’s welfare.
“I felt like dying,” Esther confessed, “I had become a stranger to myself. I was in darkness and always afraid. I thought I was under a spell.” Her fears extended beyond the confines of her home. She dreaded the rains, imagining herself caught outside, vulnerable to the elements.
Esther’s neighbour Caroline was aware of her struggles and referred her to Huruma Sub-County Referral Hospital for assessment. “As soon as Caroline mentioned that she had found a way for me to have surgery on my eyes, I became even more worried. I had fears that I wouldn’t make it out alive with my age. I had no clue that it was a simple surgery. Again, I had no financial capabilities to pay for the surgery,” she explained.
The road to recovery stretched 47 km, but Esther’s determination carried her to the Huruma Sub-County Referral Hospital Eye Unit in Uasin Gishu County, where she received surgery on her right eye. Caroline paid a small fee of 2,500 Kenyan Shillings (22.89 CAD,) and the rest was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Esther’s transformation was life changing. Her restored sight opened a world of possibilities. “I am so happy to have regained my sight back,” she said. “I even hugged one of the surgeons and thanked them for the good job. They were heaven-sent.”
Once she receives the second surgery in her left eye, Esther plans to return to home, where she will farm and help provide for her family once more.
When you give the Gift of Sight this holiday season, you can give someone like Esther the chance to feel alive again. You can give a parent or grandparent the ability to provide for their family and regain their independence.
With your support, we can bring light and hope to many more people like Esther.
Please give the Gift of Sight today – For All The World to See!
