Aharon’s Story

“My new prosthetic helped me look normal again.”

Ever since he was a child Aharon has loved playing the duduk, a wind instrument indigenous to Armenia. He also loves working on technology, taking apart machines, fixing them and putting them back together.

One day, Aharon took apart a broken motor. But when he put it back together, it shattered and a piece flew straight into his eye. Aharon’s eye was severely damaged and he needed an eye prosthetic right away. Doctors warned Aharon that without a prosthetic eye, his other eye could be affected as well.

Poverty stricken, Aharon’s family could not afford the prosthetic surgery so the young teen went on without it. He quickly grew detached from the world and slipped into a depression. He didn’t want to go to school, would always wear sunglasses to hide his eyes and didn’t want anyone to know about his injury.

“I could feel that he was suffering emotionally,” said Aharon’s mother. “He stopped playing music and became very withdrawn.”

Fortunately, it wasn’t long until Aharon and his family learned about the Armenian EyeCare Project. Aharon was able to get the eye prosthetic he needed donated with no cost to him or his family. He began to feel like himself again.

“My new prosthetic helped me look normal again,” Aharon said with a shy smile. “My outlook on life has now turned positive.”

Aharon has started playing the duduk again and he aspires to study music and become a saxophonist.

“Seeing my child feel worthy again is my greatest joy as a parent,” said Aharon’s mother, holding back tears.

“I’m very touched by this and so is my entire family,” adds Aharon’s father.

For Aharon, his sentiment is simple. He is grateful — grateful to the AECP and its donors for giving him the opportunity to lead a normal life again. He plays his duduk with a smile and thinks of the future.