Give the Gift of Sight to the poor in India

Five years ago, I was in our hospital in Madurai, India, when parents brought in their two-month old baby, Gopika.  Her local pediatrician had identified retinoblastoma (eye cancer) in both her eyes and recommended that they take her to Aravind for examination.  Aravind doctors confirmed the diagnosis and recommended surgery immediately.  Gopika's family had less than 50,000 rupees in savings -- about $700 -- so there was no way that they could afford the expensive and extended treatment that she needed.  

I will never forget running into Dr. Usha in the hallway that evening.  Dr. Usha is the head of our orbital cancer unit, and she works with children like Gopika every day.  Sometimes she has to convince parents to go ahead with treatment, because they are terrified by the expense.  Depending on the severity of the disease, the costs can range from $1000 to $2000 for each child.  

Dr. Usha grabbed both my hands and said, "Thanks to the Aravind Eye Foundation, we are going to start treatment immediately!" And, off she went.  

I knew that wasn't quite true.  It is because of people like you that we are able to save dozens of children each year who would otherwise die from eye cancer.  

Fast-forward to 2018:  Sadly, Gopika had to have both eyes enucleated, but with surgery and radiation, she survived her cancer to bring much joy and love to her parents.  She will continue to be monitored by Aravind doctors, and as she grows, she will receive new custom-made prostheses.

So, it is with much gratitude that I send this project report.  Thank you for helping to save the lives and sight of more than 500 children in India and fund thousands of patient visits for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.  As always, I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have -- email me at donnacampbell@aravind.org.  Tell your friends  what you are doing to help India's children through twitter @aravindeye and /www.facebook.com/AravindEyeFoundation/ 

With gratitude, 

Donna Campbell, Executive Director

P.S.  And, if you love what we do, please support us on #GivingTuesday. 

Being treated for eye cancer requires many visits over a period of several years.  Most children require six to eight chemo cycles  Our doctors get to know their patients very well. Everyone has a story.  I'll give you an example of a family you have helped - one of many. 

Prakasan was first brought to Aravind when he was just one and a half years old. He was diagnosed with unilateral retinoblastoma. The family lives in Nilakkotai, about 50kms from our main hospital in Madurai. They moved to Tamil Nadu, India, during the Sri Lankan civil war. Their refugee background put Prakasan’s family in unpredictable living conditions. The father earns a living through construction and painting, just sufficient to support the family's daily needs. Prakasan’s mother fainted on hearing that her son had eye cancer.

Alone, the family could have never afforded the cost of inital treatment and follow-up.  Prakasan probably would have died. But with your support, he had the tumor removed and is receiving chemotherapy.  His prognosis is great! 

Hearing your child has retinoblastoma is terrifying.  Not knowing how you can pay for cancer treatment makes it hopeless. Which is why your gift is doubly important.  Your donation gives sight AND hope.  Since Aravind first joined GlobalGiving, you have helped provide nearly 5000 visits to 505 patients and given hope to their families.

Thank you for continuing to support us.  As always, I would love to hear from you.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please email me directly at donnacampbell@aravind.org.  And, please tell you friends and family about our work and how you are helping.  

With gratitude, 

Donna Campbell, Executive Director