Yesterday we received this very moving story from Guatemala: Fidelia Silverste Fajardo, age 84, began to lose her vision 20 years ago, making it nearly impossible for her to do her daily activities at home like cooking for her five family members and cleaning the house. Fidelia lives with her family in the town of San Jose which is a few miles from the Mercado Municipal. One of the consequences of her vision loss was a bad fall that caused her to fracture both hips. With little sight and the inability to walk, she was limited to a wheelchair. Fidelia thought that her life was over being bound to a wheelchair and unable to see. She felt useless because she could no longer contribute to her family. In Guatemala, the working poor work and contribute to their families till the day they die. Without a purpose Fidelia was starting to lose hope. Also, Fidelia's family was beginning to struggle to care for her. Someone had to stay home from work to take care of her. This meant a loss in one person’s wages. This was a loss that the family, which was already struggling, could not afford. Then a member of her family found out about Seva's partner, Visualiza, where Fidelia was diagnosed with cataracts resulting in light perception visual acuity in both eyes. She had surgery on her right eye first on February 12, 2009 and she received an operation to her left eye on February 26, 2009. After the second surgery she told the doctors, “I am so happy that I can see again and little by little I am able to walk. I am able to cook and serve my family. I thank you so much and do not know how to pay you. May God bless you for helping me!”

Fidelia Silverste Fajardo, age 84, after both cataract surgeries