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Help Gavin Get An Eye

Help Gavin Get An Eye

Funds Raised:
R 27 017
Fundraising Target:
R 18 967

Personal message

When I was 9 years old an accident robbed me of my sight and left my face severely disfigured. At the time of the accident, I was just a child and as I was still growing, facial reconstructive surgery was not an option for me and now, so many years later, it’s not really an option at all anymore. Instead, I had to rebuild my life amidst the taunting words of my peers. It often felt like I received a double disability in my accident. In an attempt to prevent the mockery and the questions regarding my appearance, I resorted to waring sunglasses. However, this was not a viable solution as I could not hide my face forever.

Since then, the whispers of strangers “Shame”, or “Did you see that man’s face?” have been following me like a shadow whenever I go out to public places. Everywhere I go I get people approaching me, not to get to know me, but with the sole purpose of asking me, what happened. As if reliving the worst experience of my life over and over again with every retelling will not affect me. Ever heard the adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me”, I have first-hand experience that this is not at all true.  Words cut deep and often leave scars that run far deeper than the physical scars on display.

 I have become very self-conscious of how I look. I am tired of avoiding situations where people want to take pictures, because I feel like I am ruining group photos. I cannot change what happened and I have made peace with that. For now, all I would like, is to feel human again.

An artificial eye, will help to give my face some normality. The cost of such an eye however, is significant and my medical aid will not cover the costs. My profession is that of an administrator and I earn a very modest salary.

Please consider contributing to my hope for having a face I won’t have to feel ashamed of. I would greatly appreciate any financial contribution toward meeting my goal.

Before that day, when one accident changed my life forever, I had dreams of being a million different things when I grew up, but today, after years of being bullied as a child and stared at or talked about, as an adult, all I really want, is to feel normal. Your contribution would not only help to restore some of my confidence, but it would go a long way in helping me to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for reading and sharing my story, and if you are able to assist, thank you for your contribution.

 

Donations

  • Feb 24, 2024 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Feb 23, 2024 - R 1 000.00
  • "All the best Gavin. Regards from your Mom s painting buddies" - Anonymous

  • Feb 21, 2024 - USD $ 19.45 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Feb 05, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Our best wishes for a succesful operation" - Anonymous

  • Feb 05, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Rina en Johann

  • Feb 05, 2024 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "Wishing you and Looney all the best Gavin! We hope you go from strength to strength!" - Sean and Lauren

  • Feb 05, 2024 - R 500.00
  • "Gavin, I wish you all the best. It is an honor to be able to donate to this cause. I will be so happy if you could see again." - Bernard Wethmar

  • Feb 05, 2024 - R 200.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Feb 04, 2024 - USD $ 114.33 Fees covered
  • "You are a brave and courages man that inspire many others. Thank you" - Zulberg family

  • Feb 04, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Feb 02, 2024 - R 250.00 Fees covered
  • "Geniet hom Gav. Die Ventertjies" - Renier Venter

  • Feb 02, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Amper daar Gavin. Alle sterkte Vir jou" - Matilda brits

  • Feb 02, 2024 - R 2 000.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Feb 02, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Good luck!" - Tiaan

  • Feb 02, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Wishing you all the best!" - Briony

  • Feb 02, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "You are a champion! 💗🌟" - Julie Booyse

  • Feb 01, 2024 - USD $ 28.92 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Feb 01, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Estelle

  • Feb 01, 2024 - R 400.00 Fees covered
  • "May your dream come true!" - Carlotta

  • Feb 01, 2024 - USD $ 28.92 Fees covered
  • "Good luck" - Milo

  • Feb 01, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Keeping a glass eye on this goal. I can see it happening!" - Reinette

  • Feb 01, 2024 - USD $ 57.85 Fees covered
  • "" - Jaco

  • Feb 01, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "This is going to be awesome!" - S&D

  • Feb 01, 2024 - USD $ 26.77
  • "" - Wynand & Hazel Hamman

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "Your spirit is strong, brave and courageous. Stand talk and walk proud." - Anonymous

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "Sterkte vanuit 'n warm Kimberley." - Anonymous

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "It's your time Gavin. May all your dreams come true." - Anonymous

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "Much love Gav" - Anonymous

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 200.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 30, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "May this new eye give you confidence and joy." - Anonymous

  • Jan 29, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 29, 2024 - USD $ 57.46 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 29, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Gavin, may you reach 10 fold what you thought was possible." - Another Harding

  • Jan 29, 2024 - R 200.00 Fees covered
  • "May your dream be realized" - Anonymous

  • Jan 28, 2024 - R 300.00 Fees covered
  • "God bless you!!" - Anonymous

  • Jan 28, 2024 - USD $ 57.51 Fees covered
  • "Sterkte Gavin. Beste wense uit Nieu Seeland." - Louis du Preez

  • Jan 27, 2024 - R 200.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 26, 2024 - R 200.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 26, 2024 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Heidi Bergesen

  • Jan 26, 2024 - USD $ 54.03 Fees covered
  • "Sterkte" - Jason&sue

  • Jan 25, 2024 - R 200.00 Fees covered
  • "" - Anonymous

  • Jan 25, 2024 - R 500.00 Fees covered
  • "Baie sterkte Gavin!" - Anonymous

Statistics

Fundraising target

R 18 967.00

Donations to date

R 27 016.76

Help Gavin Get An Eye Campaign

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After losing my sight and enduring severe facial disfigurement from an accident at age 9, I've faced relentless taunting and scrutiny, longing to regain a sense of normalcy through an artificial eye, a costly solution my modest salary and medical aid won't cover, and any financial support toward this goal would be immensely appreciated in helping me reclaim my confidence and comfort in my own skin.