In Her Words: Anastazia
Local photographer Daniel Msirikale shares the story of Tanzanian mother Anastazia from a recent outreach hosted at the Chunya Regional Hospital and in partnership with Helen Keller International in Mbeya.
In her words, Anastazia:
“For 26 years, my world was shrouded in blurriness. I was born in the Mbeya region of Tanzania, and from the very beginning, I was unable to see clearly if at all. I lived in perpetual night, feeling my way through life, relying on my other senses to navigate the world.
“Life was incredibly challenging. I couldn't get any meaningful employment, and without work, I had no way to earn an income to support myself. I depended entirely on my family. It was frustrating and demoralizing to be seen as a burden rather than as an independent person.
“My blindness also meant that marriage was out of reach. I couldn't imagine finding a partner who would be willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a blind wife. I have two children but no husband. I resigned myself to a life of solitude and never once imagined that one day, things might change.
“Then, by some miracle, that day arrived. The village Chairman came to my house and informed me that there’s an outreach program for cataract surgery. I had never gone to see a doctor for my condition because I had no funds. So when the Chairman told me it would be free, it sounded too good to be true. Yet it was.
“They came to pick me and some others in the area and brought us to Chunya Regional Hospital. With a heart full of hope and anxiety, I underwent the procedure.
Watch her reaction in this video
“The surgery itself was quick, but those moments felt like a lifetime. The first thing that came into view was my 6-month-old son. I had never seen him before, but there he was, beautiful and radiant. Tears streamed down my face as I took in his tiny features—his face, his bright eyes, and his small hands reaching out to me. I couldn't stop looking at him and kissing him. It was as if I was making up for all the time I had missed.
“The joy of seeing my baby was overwhelming, but it was only the beginning. When asked what I most wanted to see next, my answer was immediate: my 7-year-old daughter. I had spent years imagining what she looked like, but now, I would finally get to see her with my own eyes. The thought of seeing her smile, her laughter, and the way she moves filled me with an indescribable excitement. I was also excited to see my home as I had never seen it before.
“The challenges I faced before were immense. Simple tasks like fetching water or cooking were hazardous. I couldn't contribute to my household, which made me feel like I was a burden. But now, with sight, all of that has changed. The surgery has given me a chance to live a life I never once dreamed of.
“I am now able to look forward to the future with hope and excitement. I plan to start working, to contribute to my family's well-being. Perhaps I will even start a small business. With sight, I can be a better mother to my children. I can help them with their schoolwork and watch them grow. I can explore the world around me and perhaps even find a husband and settle down.
“I am profoundly thankful to the surgeons who performed the operation, and to the outreach program that made this possible. This surgery has given me more than just sight; it has given me a new lease on life.
“Everything that seemed impossible before is now within my reach.”
