Owethu hasn’t been able to see properly for the past few years. He required a corneal transplant in his left eye. At the age of 17, the timing was critical so he can enter his last year of schooling with improved sight to help him achieve academically. His mother was extremely concerned about how he can progress at school with such impaired vision. Owethu received his corneal transplant and the next day sat an exam at school, with a smile on his face. He also dreams of playing soccer with friends and his mother dreams of Owethu’s ability to work and play hard at school and to resume a normal life ahead of him.
15 year old Roland Duma came to Blind loyalty at the end of 2023 requiring corneal cross-linking procedures on both eyes (to avoid corneal transplants). Roland’s school work was suffering as he couldn’t see the school board and barely could see his workbook pages. His dream was to play football with his friends and to work on graphic design, when he can see again.
In November 2024, Roland’s letter of thanks says:
“I hope one day that I have the opportunity to pay it forward and make a difference in someone else’s life just as you have done for me. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me. Your kindness has truly touched my life in a meaningful way.”