Give the Gift of Sight to the poor in India

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