Give the Gift of Sight to the poor in India

There is probably nothing more endearing than the toothless smile of a happy baby, and Al Ameen is no exception!  This beautiful baby boy was referred to the Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, with cancer in both eyes.  Al Ameen has the genetic form of retinoblastoma, and both of his parents are also blind. 

Al Ameen lives with his mother, Haseena, and the two of them are cared for by maternal grandparents.  Because of some issues with the family, his father does not live with them, nor does he support them financially.  The cost of Al Ameen's on-going cancer treatment is also paid by his grandparents.  

Many families start treatment and then become overwhelmed by the expense and the prolonged length of treatment.  They simply stop coming, as a result.  Retinblastoma is very curable, but patients must complete their chemo and radiation sessions and come in for follow-up visits.  Al Ameen's family lives in the neighboring state of Kerala, so they had the additional cost of travelling to visit Aravind in Tamil Nadu. 

Your donations paid for Al Ameen's family to travel to Madurai and to complete his treatment and follow-up.  Unlike his parents, Al Ameen has a very good chance of retaining his vision.  

There are so many children like Al Ameen, whom you help through Global Giving.  And, that's why we are all smiling at the Aravind Eye Foundation today.  Thank you for helping to save the lives and sight of now more than 650 children in India and to fund thousands of patient follow-up visits to keep our patients cancer-free.  

In gratitude, 

Donna Campbell, Executive Director

P.S.  Please tell your friends and family about the great work YOU are doing.  Tweet about us @AravindEye or follow us on Facebook @AravindEyeFoundation.  And, I would love to hear from you, so email me:  donnacampbell@aravind.org -- I will respond!