I am blind in both eyes and, due to various infections, I recently had to have them surgically removed. I thought the pain would end there, but eye prostheses are now needed. This is the only way to "get back" my eyes.
I am blind in both eyes and, due to a series of infections, I recently had to have them surgically removed. I thought my end of suffering would end, but eye prostheses are now needed. This is the only way to "get back" my eyes. Through this campaign I will be able to not only improve in terms of physical health, but also in terms of psychological and social health. At the same time, I will be able to give back a little, through the stipulated rewards, to those who helped me and possibly meet new people and inspire a little those who see themselves in my situation. This is a more personal campaign, but I hope that others who are in places like mine can feel that this is just another stage and that it is worth trying to be happy and live to the fullest.
About the author
I'm Aliu. I was born in 1994 in Guinea-Bissau, blind in one eye. I am currently living and working in Portugal.
When I was four years old, the civil war in Bissau started (I was in the south with my grandparents and brothers); one day while playing, military vehicles and soldiers approached the population and, scared, I fled to a plantation field where I injured my only good eye. Due to the war social problems I never received proper medical treatment.
When I came to Portugal, I continued to feel intense pain in my eyes and, therefore, I had an operation to have them removed.
Despite this, I have several goals in life, such as having finished the course to be a jazz drummer at HotClub, teaching music, having attended a degree in Psychology, and recently having ventured into theater and photography ( yes, a blind person taking a picture based solely on what he feels and hears at the time of capture).
Even so, it is very uncomfortable for me to know that I don't have eyes. I wish I didn't have to worry about protecting my eye socket all the time and having to wear my dark glasses whenever I go out.
Although I'm always someone who tries to show that I'm happy and excited, the truth is that I often feel depressed, largely due to my lack of vision and, now, physical eyes. This very negatively affects my social life, like looking for work.
If anyone could help me make this dream come true, I would be eternally grateful and would love to meet the people who helped me make this a reality.
Budget and due dates
Each prosthesis costs €600 to €700. The goal is to get them fitted as soon as possible, preferably within the next six months, in order to reduce the chances of later infections, pain and discomfort.
