Patient Story: Medeset Misgana
This story highlights the collaboration between HCP Cureblindness and Woldia General Hospital in Ethiopia. Residents of Woldia face significant challenges such as poverty, limited economic opportunities, and lack of access to basic necessities. Medeset Misgana lost his sight at a young age and dropped out of school. He felt like a burden to his family and struggled with isolation and helplessness until a nurse named Mulu Behan arrived and introduced him to the HCP Cureblindness outreach program. After undergoing surgery, Medeset was able to see again, and his smile and gratitude inspired hope and resilience. This story reminds us of compassion's power and a second chance's transformative impact.
A Story of Hope and Resilience in Woldia, Ethiopia
HCP Cureblindness recently partnered with Woldia General Hospital, a facility in a picturesque town in the breathtaking highlands of northern Ethiopia. As we arrived in Woldia, we were greeted by the majestic Simien Mountains in the distance, with their snow-capped peaks reaching for the sky. The landscape was awe-inspiring, with rolling hills, green fields, and forest patches.
As we walked around the town, we couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant culture surrounding us. We saw local communities engaged in colorful and rhythmic dances, heard the soul-stirring melodies of traditional music, and breathed in the delicious aromas of exotic cuisine. We quickly fell in love with the place, and the people, who welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles. Although, we knew it was less bountiful than it looked.
The Harsh Reality of Life in Woldia
Amidst the scenic beauty and lively culture, we knew that the people of Woldia faced significant challenges:
- Poverty
- Limited economic opportunities
- And lack of access to basic necessities such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education
Medeset
Out of the 1,162 cataract surgeries we completed during our time in Woldia, one person stood out to us significantly. Medeset Misgana had faced incredible difficulties due to the loss of his sight.
Medeset lost his sight at a very young age, and by the time he was in the third grade, he was completely blind. He dropped out of school and, for a year, stayed at home, feeling overwhelmed with helplessness and anxiety about his future. He felt like a burden to his family, and his life seemed to have no purpose.
Eventually, his family sent him to a school for the blind, where he was able to continue his education. However, the challenges he faced were immense. He was utterly dependent on others for his daily needs and had to rely on his brothers and sisters to take him to and from school–turn by turn. He still felt like a burden to them and often felt isolated and alone.
How Nurse Mulu Berhan Changed Medeset's Life
Medeset was approached with life-changing news during this time of isolation. A nurse named Mulu Berhan arrived in Lalibela and examined Medeset's eyes.
Medeset was given the news that would change his life forever. Nurse Mulu told Mediaset about the HCP Cureblindness outreach program, which could restore his sight through surgery. Medeset was overjoyed at the prospect of being able to see again and eagerly awaited his surgery.
The day of the surgery arrived, and Medeset and his family were filled with hope and anticipation. They waited patiently for the bandages to be removed. When they were, Medeset's smile was more prominent than ever before.The world he had lost suddenly came back into view, and tears of joy streamed down his face. He could see the faces of his loved ones, the vibrant colors of nature that surrounded him, and the beauty of the world around him.
The Power of Compassion
Today, Medeset feels humbled by the challenges he has overcome and deeply grateful for the opportunity to see the world through his very own eyes again. He is a living testament to the power of compassion and the transformative impact of a second chance.
Medeset's story reminds us of the importance of never giving up hope and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. His smile and the smile of others continue to inspire us to this day.
