Goharik’s Story

Talented Singer Diagnosed with Glaucoma

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 out of my right eye and the eye pressure continued to increase.

I could tell that 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 a successful operation and my eye pressure went down. I no longer worry about going blind. I still don’t see very well, but this doesn’t worry me. Why? Because I know there will be a cure for me just like I knew the AECP doctors would help me when I needed it the most.

“Although Nature did take away the full use of my eyes, it gave me a singing voice. My favorite activity is sharing my vocal gift with others. Rather than being afraid of what 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.”

Following her studies at the Yerevan State Conservatory, Goharik continued her studies in Moscow and graduated from the Vocal department of the Conservatory with high honors. She continued her studies at the Conservatory Graduate School and since graduation she has been in great demand-giving concerts and entertaining audiences throughout the region.

At a recent concert, on the evening of February 24, 2007, a storm blanketed Yerevan with snow. But the people still came and filled the Chamber Music Hall, waiting for the appearance of Goharik Nersisyan, Soprano. The young lady, ushered to the stage by her concertmaster, smiled graciously and began with “Ave Maria.” Goharik’s gentle voice and invigorating nature mesmerized the audience who became more involved and enchanted with each piece. Closing the evening with a spiritual, “They Scandalized My Name,” Goharik received a standing ovation.

Goharik was to undergo yet another surgery on her eyes last June with Rick Hill and Roger Ohanesian planning to remove a Cataract on her right eye. She had hoped this would keep her eye pressure down and improve her sight. Unfortunately, she developed complications and the doctors have to wait because they don’t want to jeopardize the sight so she awaits the right time for another surgery.

One thing is certain, Goharik’s joy in sharing her vocal gift with others and her inner strength insures this exceptional young woman both an exciting professional career and a successful personal life. Her letter to friends…

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.

Goharik's Story