Give the Gift of Sight to the poor in India

Perhaps 2021 should have come with a warning:  "Turbulence expected.  Please fasten your seatbelt."  It has been a year of ups and downs, with both triumphs and tragedies for many, and Aravind was no exception.  

But with your help, we did it! We adapted to meet the needs of our times and, most importantly, of our patients.

One of those patients was Sara.  She and her family come from Tenkasi, a village of about 70,000 in Tamil Nadu, known for the Coutallan Waterfalls and the beautiful Kari Viswanathar Temple.  She was three months old when she was diagnosed with cancer in her right eye. 

This is devastating news for any parent, but especially if you can't afford treatment.  Sara's parents are farmers with three other children at home.  Fortunately,  Aravind has generous friends like you, who paid for Sara's chemotherapy, and now she is completely recovered. 

This year, Aravind treated 40 new patients with eye cancer and provided 1291 free patient visits, as part of our Ring of Hope program.  We have started using a new intra-arterial chemo threatment that's been available in the west for 10-15 years, and produces better results with fewer side effects.  

Since the founding of the Ring of Hope program, you've helped us provide nearly 12,000 patient visits and sightsaving care for 800 plus patients, completely free of cost. 

Thank you wholeheartedly from all of us at Aravind for your generosity1.  We wish you a happy holiday season and pray for the continued health and safety of you and your loved ones. 

With gratitude,

Donna Campbell, Executive Director, Aravind Eye Foundation