June 14, 2011

Almost 800 patients served!

By randib

Today was our first full day of clinic and it was full of emotion. When we arrived at our clinic site there were people lined up outside waiting to see us. As we entered, they greeted us and shook our hands. Once inside, we found our wonderful volunteers from "Community Uplift"! We went directly to our stations and began the day! Clinic like these are made possible by your generous monetary donations, time and used eyewear. Most of us don't get to see who receives our eyewear but once in a while something special happens and this is a special story that I would like to share from our team member Stephanie Vicars:

One and a half years ago, I lost my dear friend, Sherry Simmons. She was a very unique and special person. 3 years ago, her house caught fire and she and her husband lost everything. I was able to make each of them glasses by obtaining them OneSight vouchers. Unfortunately, Sherry suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to the fire and passed away one and a half years later.

I asked Sher's husband if I could take those glasses with me to Ghana. I thought it would be a way to grieve her as well as keep her memory alive. He agreed. Today, I was called over by Dr. Julie Blenker. She had found a match for Sherry's glasses. I never expected them to find someone that soon! When I walked over to dispense them I was greeted by a lovely young woman. Sher had always loved roses. She knew all their names and even called her daughter Rose. The woman who received her classes was named Rose!

It tickles me to think of Sherry seeing this lovely Ghanaian woman wearing her pink eyeglasses! Thank you OneSight for giving me the opportunity to share the gift of sight!

5 Comments

  1. Bonnie B. says:

    Very lovely story!!  We are so proud of all of you!!!  Stay safe, and try to get some rest.  You are changing lives—with the gift of sight!!
    Randi’s sister (Bonnie) and Mom

    Posted on Wed Jun 15, 2011 7:31 pm EST

  2. Maria Collora says:

    Hello Team Ghana!!!

    My name is Maria Collora and I was part of the first OneSight Team in Ghana last October.  I am so excited for all of you and a little jealous.  Ghana was my third international clinic and it was one of the most memorable.  The Ghanaian people are wonderful.  I made many friends there, and still keep in touch with them.  I’d like to say that I left a piece of my heart there.  I know that you will feel the same way. 
    You are doing such a wonderful thing for a Country that is in need of your help.  It is a very poor Country, but her people are very rich in other ways.  Their hearts are made of gold!!
    Have a great clinic!!!  I wish I was there with you!!
    Have fun and enjoy!!  You are all amazing!!!

    Posted on Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:12 pm EST

  3. Talita's Father says:

    I agree with Maria Collara’s comments.  I also had the priviledge of visiting Accra a few years ago and fell in love with the hearts of the people of Africa - my fellow ‘citizens’ of this wonderful continent - so much so that I wrote a poem on the awakening of the Continent of Africa. I trust that the Team will enjoy the same enriching experience.
    Today’s real blog story is very touching.  This type of story makes one sometimes wonder about the activities of the unseen spiritual realm and its influence on our lives. However, if this is an example of a positive influence, which improved the quality of life of Rose, lets be thankful.
    Wishing you strength and great satisfaction with your achievements in making a difference in the lives of other people and thereby spreading love in action! We honour you for the work that you are doing - representatives from all countries, but especially the South Africans and our dearest daughter, Talita!
    Lots of love to all of you!

    Posted on Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:48 pm EST

  4. Wedaad- SGH South Africa says:

    Amazing story!We are so proud of you all and the difference you are making to the thousands of lives in Ghana! Lots of love to Chantal, Talita and Carla! Thinking of you and missing you all loads! Lots OF love to the team, from the offices in S.A! XX

    Posted on Thu Jun 16, 2011 5:51 pm EST

  5. Amy Neff says:

    Stephanie,
    I am so proud of you! That story warms my heart and I know that Sher is looking down on you now. Those glasses were made for that special lady Rose. I can’t wait for you to come home soon. Tell Frank hello. It feels like just yesterday that I was in Ghana myself. I miss it!

    Posted on Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:26 pm EST

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