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The life changing
Difference of sight

The story of father Kimani and son Samuel

What makes a father smile? Kimani has the answer. He has the best smile in the world and smiling is something he just can’t stop doing. As a result of monthly donation from supporters of The Fred Hollows Foundation, his eight-year-old son Samuel was able to receive the much-needed sight-restoring cataract surgery.

Kimani is a friendly, likeable and positive man. But when he knew that Samuel had cataract, he had no idea what to do. 

患有白內障的SAMUEL
I took Samuel to the hospital and the doctors told me he had cataract. I remember that day very well – I did not even know what to do next.

- Kimani, Samuel's Father

“I noticed the problem with Samuel’s eyes when he joined baby class. His teacher called me to the school and told me my son was unable to read or write anything in class. Anytime he was given some assignments, he was unable to do,” Kimani said.

 “I took Samuel to the hospital and the doctors told me he had cataract. I remember that day very well – I did not even know what to do next.” 

Samuel’s situation got worse quickly which proved to be a particular problem for this energetic boy. 

“He was unable to run. When he tried, then he tripped and fell. He has a mark right on his cheek. He got it after tripping and falling down on some sharp objects. This happened because he was unable to see clearly,” Kimani said.

“Samuel has also risked getting burnt several times at home. When he stands up, he ends up stepping straight on the fire with his shoes, probably thinking the fire is a bit far. I have had to buy him so many pairs of shoes because he keeps on getting burned.” 

Samuel is not an only child. He has four brothers including John, his twin. Samuel and John are the youngest. Like many in the region, Kimani and his wife are subsistence farmers, working the land around their home. With crops to tend and five boys to care for, life is difficult. 

“The situation got so tough for me after discovering Samuel’s problem,” Kimani said. “Samuel and his siblings all depend on me and also he needs someone to look after him at all times.”

Thankfully, Samuel had John to help him at school. Kimani said, “There is no time John has ever left him behind. When they are in school, and the teacher writes something for Samuel, John ensures that he takes his brother’s book and writes properly because he knows his brother cannot see things clearly.” 

But there would come a time when John would have to advance. John can’t be there all the time. “Samuel needs supervision and attention in order to survive. I could just tell how difficult it was for his twin brother to check after him at all times,” Kimani said. 

Safety and education are the two most important concerns a parent will have for their child. It is little wonder Kimani was smiling when he knew that Samuel could receive the much-needed cataract surgery, supported by donors of The Fred Hollows Foundation. 

“I was very excited about the surgery,” he said. “I would be so thankful to God and be very happy because my child will be able to read and write just like the other children. Only God knows how I feel right now.” 

SAMUEL和他的孖生兄弟

The surgery was successful. Samuel changed so much after the surgery. He told John that he would work so hard in school and would perform even better than him. 

“It will be so different, unlike before, when all we did was worry about what Samuel was doing, where he was, who he was with. But now we are free from all those kinds of worry,” said Kimani.  

It is little surprise that the surgery made a profound impact on Samuel and the family – and one that may influence the future of the boy. 

Samuel said that he would like to become a doctor when he grows up. 

“I would love for him to become a doctor so that he can help those who will have a problem like the one he had when he was young and to help the way he was helped when he was young,” Kimani said. 

SAMUEL家庭照
 

There are 8,000 children in Kenya living with avoidable blindness. 

The saddest thing is that many don’t have to be. Distance and the costs of travel make it impossible for many families who live in remote villages, like Samuel’s, to access eye health care. The cataracts that caused Samuel’s blindness can be treated. But if left untreated for too long, a child’s brain can lose the ability to see, leaving them permanently blind. Being blind is difficult.  Being blind and poor is next to impossible. Your donation could help us find and treat people like Samuel. It will not only restore a person's sight, but it also gives them back hope and a chance at a better life.
 
GIVE THE GIFT OF SIGHT

GIVE THE GIFT OF SIGHT

Imagine not being able to access the basic eye care needed to lead your life. There are millions of people throughout the world who live like this. Vision impairment and blindness can affect every aspect of one's life; school, work, relationships, and basic human rights.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is an ally to these people. We provide basic eye care services, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of people have their lives transformed every single year.

Please, consider being a part of this life-changing humanitarian movement, and donate today.