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Mary

Apr 30, 2019 | profiles |

Tribute card donor shares why she gives the gift of sight to celebrate and honor loved ones

We would like to introduce you to Mary, who asked we only share her first name. Mary donates multiple times a year through tribute gifts, whereby an HCP tribute card is sent to family and friends to mark celebrations such as birthdays and to honor those who are no longer with us.

In 2013, we met Mary after she lost her son tragically and was in search of nonprofits to support in his memory. As a former physician, the sustainability of the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) model and the impact of the work drew her, as well as her geographic proximity to our administrative offices. She also supports the nonprofit, Boys Town another organization which her son was passionate about.

When asked why she has stuck by HCP and chooses to give tribute cards as gifts, Mary said:

“It is another way to remember people. I think my son would have been pleased because it turned something that didn’t go very well into ending with something good.

It just brings comfort knowing that someone can see - can’t argue with a gift that gives someone their life back. I can’t imagine not seeing - I am a reader, I love going to museums and view nature.

What I really love is that you don’t have to be rich to make an impact. Sometimes you feel like it is a drop in the bucket, but with you guys for $25 I can help restore sight.”

As a former doctor and with a condition of her own, Mary is also moved to give because she is not sure she will be able to be an organ donor. With a nod to her passion for the field of medicine and research, she feels compelled to give to a cause that restores sight.

To make a gift in honor of Mother's Day to the Himalayan Cataract Project visit: https://www.cureblindness.org/donate/holidaycard. You have the option to mail a physical card or send an eCard, each card will acknowledge a donation has been made but will keep the amount of your gift private.

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