Aarohi Patel

Support Vulnerable Communities and Provide Cataract Operations in Kenya with Aarohi

Restore Sight, Restore Lives: Support the Gift of Sight Campaign Cataracts are one of the most common and preventable causes of blindness, affecting millions globally. Yet for many, this simple, quick surgery remains out of reach—unaffordable and inaccessible—leaving people to live with vision loss for years. Through the Gift Of Sight and Sound Garissa Campaign, we’re committed to changing that. By providing free cataract surgeries to those who need them most, we restore not only vision but independence and dignity. Regaining sight means more than seeing clearly — it means being able to learn, work, support a family, and reclaim a full, vibrant life. It reduces the burden on caregivers and improves livelihoods, creating lasting, positive change for individuals and their communities. Read the story of one of our rights -holders, who we supported during our last year campaign in Kenya: "I am 72-year-old driver from Garissa County. For over 40 years, I’ve driven across Kenya for humanitarian organizations. My vision was everything—it kept me, and those I served, safe. Two years ago, my right eye began to fail. Blurry vision turned into blindness, and I feared I'd have to give up driving—and my livelihood. When I heard Islamic Relief was sponsoring a free eye camp in Nairobi, I made the long journey. Tests confirmed I had a cataract. The doctors from Canada and Kenya were kind and reassuring. I had the surgery—and Alhamdulillah, five days later, I could see clearly again. That moment changed everything. I got my sight back. I got my life back. Now, I’m back behind the wheel, supporting my family and doing what I love. I’m deeply thankful to Islamic Relief and the medical team. This gift of sight gave me a second chance—and I’ll never forget it." This is just one of the many lives we've helped transform. With your support, we can change countless more. What Your Donations Will Support Your contribution will directly fund the Gift Of Sight and Sound Garissa Project, helping deliver critical eye care services to vulnerable individuals in Kenya. Here's how your donation makes an impact: Surgical Eye Camp Over a one-week mission, 200 patients will receive free, sight-restoring cataract surgeries, along with 5 corneal transplants and 20 ear surgeries, plus comprehensive care: Patient identification and referrals through Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital's existing outpatient and community networks High-quality surgical procedures using medical consumables Post-operative care & follow-ups to ensure safe recovery Overnight admissions for close monitoring after surgery Food vouchers to support proper nutrition during recovery Health System Strengthening To ensure lasting impact, the project will invest in local healthcare infrastructure: Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital's ophthalmology unit will be renovated and equipped with new surgical and diagnostic equipment A dedicated Specialist Healthcare Technical Lead will support the hospital throughout the mission At least 20 local clinicians will receive hands-on mentorship through joint operating sessions, building skills that remain at the hospital long after the mission ends A formal corneal referral pathway will be established to support patients beyond the mission period 70 Community Health Promoters and Assistants (60 CHPs + 10 CHAs) will be trained in eye and ear health awareness, early detection, and referrals How Your Donation Helps $50 – Covers medical supplies for cataract surgeries $150 – Funds a full cataract operation, giving someone the gift of sight $300 – Provides two life-changing surgeries $1,500 – Sponsors 10 surgeries, restoring sight and independence to a whole community Every dollar brings us closer to a world where no one is left in darkness due to poverty. What I Will Be Doing This year, I’m honoured to join Islamic Relief Canada’s Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program in Kenya, where I’ll take part in a medical mission focused on restoring sight through free cataract surgeries for vulnerable individuals. Alongside a team of dedicated medical professionals and volunteers, I’ll be supporting: Cataract surgery camps for patients in need Community outreach and education Health facility support and the distribution of essential medical supplies Your donations will go directly toward these life-changing surgeries and community health initiatives led by Islamic Relief Canada & Kenya. Together, we can restore vision, independence, and dignity—and uplift entire families. What Is the Inspire Program? The Inspire volunteer abroad program at Islamic Relief Canada is a unique opportunity that provides hands-on education to volunteers on the field and at home. Over the past 7 years, we have taken 61 cohorts to 14 different countries to learn from our teams and right-holders on the ground. This program focuses on having volunteers raise donations and awareness while allowing them to serve their communities locally and globally.