Bayale Yendoukoi is a widowed mother from Dapaong, Togo.
When she became completely blind in both eyes, everyday life with her children became much more difficult. She could no longer take care of the house, move around on her own, or clearly see the faces of the children who lived with her.
Instead, Bayale learned to recognize them by their voices.
Her family wanted to find help, but cataract surgery was more than they could afford. Then they heard about Sight.org’s free cataract surgery in Atakpamé.
Bayale traveled more than 400 kilometers for the chance to see again.
When Cataracts Took Away Her Independence
Bayale’s vision problems began the previous year when she woke up with tears streaming from her eyes.
Her eldest son took her to a local hospital, where she was given eye drops and prescription glasses. But her eyesight continued to worsen.
Eventually, Bayale could no longer see at all with either eye.
For a mother responsible for children still living at home and attending school, the change was especially difficult.
She could no longer take care of the house the way she had before. One of her daughters had to guide her whenever she needed to move around.
Most painful of all, Bayale could no longer recognize her children by looking at them.
She knew them by the sound of their voices.
A Family Searching for a Way to Help
About a month before her surgery, Bayale’s son took her to another hospital.
There, a doctor diagnosed cataracts in both eyes and explained that surgery could help restore her vision.
The problem was the cost.
Bayale’s eldest son and one of her daughters, who were already working, began pooling their money so their mother could eventually have the operation.
Then the family received unexpected news.
Bayale’s daughter in Atakpamé heard that Sight.org would be providing free eye consultations and cataract surgery.
For Bayale and her children, it meant that the surgery they had been trying to save for might finally be possible.
Traveling More Than 400 Kilometers for Cataract Surgery
Bayale made the long journey from Dapaong to Atakpamé for treatment.
The Sight.org team examined her eyes and confirmed that she had cataracts in both eyes. She also learned that her surgery would be provided at no cost to her family.
Bayale received surgery on both eyes.
The following day, her bandages were removed.
She could see clearly again.
After a period of complete blindness, Bayale could once again see the faces of her children.
Caring for Her Family Again
Today, Bayale no longer needs her daughter to guide her from place to place.
She can move around independently, take care of the house, and once again care for her children in the ways that matter so much to her.
Her older children also no longer have to worry about saving enough money for the surgery their mother needed.
For Bayale, restored sight has meant returning to her everyday role within her family and seeing the people she loves again.
She is deeply grateful to God, the Sight.org team, and everyone who helped make her surgery possible.
Because of your prayers, service, generosity, and faithful support, Bayale can see her children’s faces again and care for her family with greater independence. Thank you.
