Over a year ago, before COVID-19 turned the world upside down, my mom turned 95. About 100 of us – family, friends, and fans, gathered to celebrate. They even included my heart patient Yosief, who has known my mom for decades.
When asked about birthday gifts, mom replied “I don’t need anything. But I want to raise money for a patient.”
I chose our spine patient, Kofera. Kofera came to us several years ago from Konso, 325 miles south of Addis Ababa, with a severe spine deformity. She spoke only Konso, a lowland Cushitic language spoken by 200,000.
We sent Kofera to FOCOS Hospital in Ghana for traction and surgery. Being surrounded with Amharic speakers for months, she picked up some Amharic as well. Kofera had successful surgery, and got 4 rods and 15 screws implanted to stretch and fix her spine.
However, Kofera also has bilateral retinal detachments. In fact, Kofera is nearly blind. This problem is far outside the scope of our spine program. Mom put out the word, and her supporters donated well over $5000. Then Covid hit, and put our plans on hold for over a year.
As I write this, my son Dejene and Kofera are flying to the renowned LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, India for evaluation and surgery. Dejene will serve as guide and translator.
Several weeks ago, Dr. Gullapalli N Rao, the institute’s founder, was awarded the Greenberg Prize for Outstanding Achievement to End Blindness. Kofera is in the best of hands.
I have a lifetime of things to thank my mother for. But once again, let me say: "Thanks, Mom!" With your help, Kofera has the opportunity to regain her vision.
We wish our friends who celebrate Easter this weekend (Ethiopia is on the Coptic calendar) a joyous holiday!
All my best,
Rick
Note: When I told my mother her photo would be on the website, she said “If I knew that, I would have gotten my hair done.” Readers are advised to take this into account.