Sophia
Sophia was born with congenital bilateral cataracts. She is the youngest of seven children, and much-loved by her whole family. Sophia was eager to learn and although she started at kindergarten, sadly, her blindness made it difficult for her to continue.
Sophia suffered from social isolation and was becoming very lonely. On the day of the visit by the cbm-funded health care worker, Sophia was sitting by herself, listening to the children play without her.
Sitting on her mother’s knee, humming the ABC song, her parents said she is an intelligent child, with a keen interest in English and mathematics. When other children are around the house, she would listen intently to their conversation.
“We were very worried that if Sophia did not get treatment she would not be able to live a normal life like the other children”, said her mother Joyce.
Thanks to generous people like you, Joyce and husband Mukoya didn’t need to worry about their daughter’s future.
There was hope for Sophia.
The generous gifts regularly given, have enabled Sophia to receive the miracle of sight-saving cataract surgery. Her family could never afford to do this.
Sitting on her bed in the hospital ward, Sophia sung to herself. Despite the eye patches, her voice was much louder and clearer. It seemed as if she was aware of her new visual ability.
Her father sat next to her and talked lovingly to Sophia. Then they sang from one to ten, followed by the alphabet.
The news that Sophia’s eye patches will be removed thrilled her father.
“You have given my daughter a gift that will last a lifetime. Thank you for restoring her sight and giving her hope for the future.”
Finally, Sophia’s eye patches were removed by a nurse. For a moment, Sophia was scared and flinched. She feared she will have to have another operation. Sophia sobbed. She kept her eyes tightly shut. Many children do this because they are afraid that opening them might hurt.
Before the sight-saving surgery Sophia had very poor vision, but after the operation she can now see even the smallest details! Simon, the cbm-funded healthcare worker arrives with some toys. Sophia smiled when she saw a wooden giraffe and immediately reached for it with pinpoint accuracy.
After an additional night in the hospital for observation, exciting things began to happen. Sophia and her father play once again, but now it is different… the little girl’s eyes were wide open!
Sophia was given balloons by her father which Simon brought earlier. Sophia was very happy. She played for a while in the ward and then they went for a walk outside. They walked around the whole hospital.
Unlike when Sophia could not see clearly, her father was overjoyed to watch his daughter as she saw so many things and played so much. He found it hard to believe that this was even possible.
Simon joined in their playtime, bringing Sophia different games to try. Simon and Sophia have an unshakeable bond. As a surprise, Simon gave Sophia a book with pictures of other young patients who have had surgery there. Sophia looked at the pictures with great interest and wanted to see more. She looked so happy with the sunlight falling on her face.
When Sophia was discharged from the hospital, Simon accompanied the family home where they received a warm welcome from their neighbours. They were happy to have Sophia back again.
When her mother noticed that Sophia was moving on her own, she had no choice but to run and chase after her. She was so overjoyed!
Everyone found it hard to believe that Sophia could see them. The neighbours praised the commitment of Simon and the cbm-partnered Mengo Eye Hospital. The family expressed their gratitude again and again. They gave thanks to God, and are grateful to kind hearted people like you, for the miracle that has happened to Sophia.
A few weeks later Sophia returned to the hospital for a follow-up examination. The cbm-funded optometrist, Valence Semukyo, is known for his gentle demeanor and expertise in working with children. After several tests, it was decided that Sophia would benefit from the use of eyeglasses to improve her vision further.
Sophia had so many to choose from, but the pair of little purple glasses caught her eye, and after a few hours, they were ready to try on. Sophia was very excited to receive them and she looked around at everything.
“Seeing my daughter’s smile when she put on her glasses is a moment I will never forget. It’s like she is seeing colours for the first time,” Sophia’s father said, his voice filled with emotion.
Sophia’s journey to the cbm-partnered hospital was long and arduous, filled with uncertainty and fear. Each person they encountered played a crucial role in helping Sophia regain her sight and confidence, and her family will forever be grateful for the care they received.
Sophia will be able to make friends with other children, and go to school. And because of you, she will have a much brighter future.
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 Sophia.
Become a cbm Child Sponsor today and help more vulnerable children, like Sophia, with disabilities living in the world’s poorest places.