Restoring Sight, Restoring Dignity — The Journey of Santo Garang
Santo Garang, a 46-year-old father of five from Aweil East County, South Sudan, spent more than a year living in total darkness. A dedicated military soldier and trainer stationed at the Mapel Military Training Center, Santo had built his life around service and responsibility. But in July 2024, everything changed.
What he thought was a severe eye allergy quickly turned into unbearable pain and the appearance of a small white spot in his eyes. Over the following months, Santo’s vision deteriorated until he could no longer see anything—not even shadows. For more than a year, he lived in complete blindness.
The impact was devastating. Santo lost his independence, his work, and the ability to care for his children. His visual impairment also led to a separation from his wife, leaving him emotionally and physically vulnerable. Throughout this difficult period, his younger sister became his primary caregiver—cooking, helping him move around, washing and ironing his clothes, and attending to his daily needs.
Santo sought help at Wau Teaching Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with bilateral cataracts and recommended surgery. Unfortunately, he could not afford the cost of treatment. His hope for recovery dimmed as he struggled to find a solution.
Everything changed when his sister learned about the eye care campaigns regularly organized by the Health Department of the Catholic Diocese of Wau and supported by Cure Blindness Project. Determined to help her brother, she saved enough money to support his transport back home to Aweil East so he could attend the next campaign. Santo had missed the May 2025 outreach, but this February, thanks to his sister’s commitment—he was able to receive care.
At the eye camp, Santo benefited from comprehensive services including an eye screening, cataract surgery, post-operative care, medication, dark glasses, health education, and even food support.
And for the first time in over a year, Santo could see again.
Santo now looks to the future with renewed hope. He dreams of returning to his military duties, regaining full independence, and providing for his five children. He is also eager to return to his community, where he knows his recovery will bring joy and relief to those who have supported him along the way.
“To the doctors, nurses, and donors who supported my treatment,” Santo says, “thank you. Your kindness has restored my sight, my dignity, and my hope. May God bless you abundantly for changing my life and the lives of many others.”
