Dear Friends,
I was born in Yerevan, Armenia, with many gifts, so Nature must have decided to take something away in return. At age 3, I was diagnosed with Uveitis, an eye disease that causes glaucoma. My life was filled with surgeries, treatment, and check-ups. Despite the many operations and the possibility that I could go blind, I remained optimistic. My mother read my school assignments to me, and I graduated with honors.
While growing up, I traveled to Moscow six times for surgery to reduce the pressure on my eyes. The last surgery was not successful. I could barely see from my right eye. The eye pressure just kept going up.
I could tell that many people around me were giving up hope. Yet, my faith was rewarded when AECP physicians Rick Hill and Roger Ohanesian arrived in Yerevan. Rick performed the operation successfully. My eye pressure went down and I no longer worry about going blind. I still don’t see so well, but this doesn’t worry me that much. Why? Because I know there will be a cure for me just like I knew that dedicated doctors would help when I needed it the most.
Although Nature did take away the full use of my eyes, it did provide me with a singing voice. I am in my third year as a vocalist student at Yerevan State Conservatory. My life is filled with studies and concerts. My favorite activity is sharing my vocal gift with others. I plan to continue to share this gift when I graduate.
Rather than being afraid of what other misfortunes I may face, I am excited about what life has in store for me. Because the AECP doctors saved me from going blind, I know I was meant to have a happy life and a promising future. Thank you, American doctors for giving me – and others just like me, help. And thank you, American donors, for making AECP possible and bringing us the help we need.
