Life Changing Impact: Melvin Regains Her Sight

In the heart of a slum in Nairobi, Melvin Adhiambo has faced immense challenges. Diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, she has struggled with physical pain and vision loss for most of her life. Melvin excelled in school, but her lack of sight made her ineligible to continue. Her family moved from Uganda to Nairobi in hopes of finding better opportunities.

Foundation for Peace team members met Melvin during a mission trip to Kenya while visiting homes with the volunteer caregivers from Living Word Church (LWC). The dedicated group from LWC helps the chronically ill in a variety of ways. FFP teams join them each year to support their efforts.

Upon meeting Melvin, the 2022 team recognized her need for regular eye check-ups and helped enroll her in the government health insurance program. The 2023 team was saddened to find that Melvin was unable to cover the monthly payments between mission teams, and that her eyesight had significantly deteriorated. FFP generously donated to cover the missing insurance payments and enable her to consult with a retinal specialist.

The retinal specialist recommended several surgeries. Unfortunately, insurance did not cover these procedures. Additionally, she would require help with prescriptions, transportation and nourishment during recovery.

A generous FFP donor pledged to cover all of Melvin’s treatment costs. She had a serious setback after surgery, yet due to regular appointments and having the means to follow all treatment regimes, her eyesight improved. Melvin is now on the path to recovery.

In Melvin’s own words:

“I am writing with a heart full of gladness and gratitude. According to the doctor, there is a possibility for me to see well with the aid of glasses and that is the best news I have had in a long while! l had my surgery because of your support, something l would never have imagined happening considering our financial situation. l pray that the good Lord who started this will see us through till the end. Thank you so much and l look forward to the day I can see you again because only then can I be helpful to my family.”

Melvin’s remarkable journey toward regaining her sight is far from over. After undergoing the necessary procedures for her left eye, she is facing another surgery for her right eye.

Melvin’s story is a powerful testament to the positive impact that Foundation for Peace mission teams have while working with dedicated local partners, like the Living Word Church’s Pastor Oliver and the church’s volunteer caregivers led by Fred Oroni.

We like to say that when you join an FFP trip, you may change a life, including your own.

And when you donate to FFP, you can also help change a life like Melvin’s—giving the gift of sight. As Melvin said, the impact ripples through her family and community. and gives hope and opportunities to many. Join us in this life-changing work, as a team member or a donor.