By OLAYINKA LATONA

I don’t want my ambition of becoming a medical doctor to be shattered. I cannot see now, and I am afraid whether this dream can be fulfilled except good spirited Nigerians come to my aid and help restore my sight. All need is N600,000 to undergo the necessary surgical operation.”

These was the lamentation of 20-year-old Blessing Unigwe, third child in a family of six. Her journey to her present condition started five years ago when she was mistakenly hit with an iron object in her right eye while she was trying to rescue her younger brother while during a school disturbance.

Blessing

Blessing was taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment, placed on drugs and eye drop for almost a year, but then tragedy struck when her elder sister who usually helped her mother died suddenly. Things become worse for the family. Her mother could no longer afford the N4,000 for the monthly drugs she required. They were ejected from their home, and Blessing, her mother and younger ones were at the mercy of a church member who took them into her own house.

Blessing a former student of Bright and Best School, Ikotun can hardly read again. The fair skinned girl confesses she is tired of living the life of a beggar. She became depressed to the level of attempting suicide, but someone always came to her rescue.

“I want to be among my mates, see them and also help my mother because she has always been there for me. Imagine the agony of not being able to see, run around, read and make your own choice as before. I have to depend on people to eat, walk, dress up and sleep. This is unbearable for me at my youthful age. I have tried to kill myself but one way or the other people come to rescue me.

In an appeal, she urged Governor Babatunde Fashola corporate bodies and individuals to help out. “I don’t want to be a liability for the rest of my life.”

In a medical report from Eye Foundation Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Olufemi Oderinlo, a consultant ophthalmologist said Blessing is suffering from a condition known as Old Fibrotic Retina Detachment with subluxated lens. He acknowledged she needs to undergo a procedure called Right Vitrectomy+ Silicon Oil extraction + Removal of Dislocated Lens Surgery.

According to Oderinlo, the total cost implication for the procedure is N600, 000. In addition to the risk of losing her sight, Blessing is also losing her memory as she seldom remembers things pertaining to her. In an emotion laden voice, Blessing’s mother added voice to her daughter’s appeal. “I want all Nigeria to help me put life and lightback into my daughter’s life. I believe there are people out there who can help restore her sight. She wasn’t born blind and is too young to remain blind for the rest of her life.

If you are touched by Blessing’s plight, please call 08121626701 for further details.