Rita
A Brighter Future for Rita!
Seven-year-old Rita lives in rural Uganda with her parents, Denis and Sarah. Like many families in their village, they survive on peasant farming, working tirelessly to grow enough food and earn a small income. Most days are a struggle, and with every shilling carefully spent on daily necessities, there is rarely anything left for medical care.
It was Rita’s grandmother who first noticed something unusual: Rita’s eyes didn’t look the same as her twin sister Rachel’s. As months passed, her vision slowly worsened. By the time she turned six, the family learned the devastating cause – Rita had cataracts in both eyes. Although they sought help at a local hospital and later at an eye health camp, treatment was far beyond anything the family could afford.
Rita’s condition touched every part of her young life. At school, she couldn’t see the chalkboard clearly, making it difficult to keep up with lessons. Although Rachel lovingly guided her to and from school, Rita often sat alone during playtime, unable to join in with the other children. She longed to run, play, and learn like her sister – but her blinding cataracts stood in the way.
Her father, Denis, spoke openly of their impossible situation: “I did not know where or when to go because I had no money for food, transportation, and medical fees.”
Still, he never stopped hoping for a miracle. And thanks to the kindness of people like you, that miracle arrived.
Your generous gifts make it possible for children like Rita to receive life-changing cataract surgery and glasses – treatment her family could never have afforded. Because of this support, Rita was referred to Mengo Eye Hospital, a specialist centre where hope becomes reality for so many children.
After travelling for many hours, Rita and Denis arrived at the hospital exhausted but hopeful. They were warmly welcomed by the medical team, who carefully examined Rita’s eyes again. The doctor reassured them that the back of her eyes were healthy and that her cataracts could be removed. With renewed hope, Rita was added to the surgical list for the next day and admitted to the ward.
The following morning, the hospital buzzed with activity. Patients who had surgery the previous day were having their eye patches removed, while others were being prepared for the operating theatre. Rita already had a sticker on her forehead marking the correct eye, and she was dressed in a tiny surgical gown. She was taken to the waiting bay, where the anaesthetic nurse prepared her before Denis was asked to wait outside.
The surgery took just 40 minutes. Her cataracts were successfully removed and new lenses implanted.
When Denis saw his daughter being wheeled out, his anxiety was written across his face.
“I was afraid she would not come out of surgery,” he admitted.
But witnessing the compassionate care given to each patient filled him with reassurance. As Rita rested, Denis gently arranged her blankets and sat by her side, waiting for her to wake.
“Tata, do you think I will see when they remove the bandages?” she whispered.
“Let’s wait for the doctor,” he replied softly. “I believe God will make you see.”
The next morning, with green patches still covering her eyes, Rita chatted excitedly with her father. When the nurse gently lifted the patches away, Rita blinked… then her face lit up with a smile as bright as the Ugandan sun – she could see.
Her father’s joy was uncontainable. Tears glistened in his eyes as he witnessed the moment he had prayed for.
Soon after, Rita was fitted with a bright new pair of glasses. She carefully chose colourful frames that suited her personality, and when she put them on, the world sharpened instantly.
“This means everything to us,” Denis said. “She can now learn and study like the other children.”
Because of your generosity, Rita’s healing journey is complete – and a new chapter is beginning. One filled with school, friendships, dreams, and the extraordinary joy of seeing the world clearly.
Thank you for helping make impossible dreams come true.
This one child represents the many children you can help when you become a cbm child Sponsor. You will enjoy seeing the impact your generosity can have on the lives of children, like Rita.
Become a cbm Child Sponsor today and help more vulnerable children, like Rita, with disabilities living in the world’s poorest places.