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.

 

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