Organisation: Suel Abujamra Institute
Location: Brazil

In addition to the care in São Paulo, the Suel Abujamra Institute conducts philanthropic actions throughout Brazil, expanding access to eyecare for thousands who face difficulties in obtaining treatment.

We believe that every story counts. The Institute has been dedicated to changing lives through vision over for 45 years.

Stephanie was only six months old when her mother, Irene, discovered that she could barely see. From that point on, it became a fierce battle to give her daughter the “blessing” of sight. As a cleaning assistant, Irene went from doctor to doctor in search of a solution for the congenital cataract that clouded her daughter’s eyes. She tried in Teresina (PI), Fortaleza, and São Paulo. She couldn’t afford the surgery. That´s when the Suel Abujamra Institute crossed Sthefany’s path.

“Thanks to God and the institute, to get my daughter’s surgery for free, and today she is studying and dreaming of getting a good job and a better life,” says Irene. Sthefany had surgery at 13 and is now 17, attending the 8th grade of elementary school.

The first years at school were difficult. “She couldn’t keep up with her classmates and became depressed, staying in her room because she suffered a lot of bullying,” recalls her mother. The condition is genetic and has already affected three people in the father’s family.

Now, Stephanie will receive free treatment for her strabismus. Irene has already scheduled pre-operative exams at the Suel Abujamra hospital.