20-year-old Meriam Madrazo was born with cataracts in both eyes. Poverty, however, made it difficult for Meriam’s parents to take her to a specialist and receive treatment. This resulted in Meriam’s reduced vision growing up. Over time, it led to crossed eyes and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus).
From a young age, Meriam had to endure people who mocked her due to her crossed eyes. The hurtful words and teasing would often led her to shed tears, feeling isolated and disheartened. Despite these, Meriam was determined to receive an education in order to get them out of their destitute. Having attended grade 1 at aged 13 years old, she received immense help from her classmates and teachers, who assisted her in reading what was written on the board and in taking notes. By the time Meriam successfully completed her elementary education, she could barely see her surroundings.
Meriam developed cataracts since birth which led both her eyes to squint.
“I feel like a burden to my parents because I cannot help them,” she lamented. To contribute to her family’s daily necessities, she helped her parents collect and sell seashells for a living.
Inspired by the goodness and efforts of Tzu Chi in their community in Lawis, Inabanga, Meriam’s family became donating members of the Tzu Chi Foundation. They contribute between 200 to 500 pesos a month having in mind that it would help other people who are also suffering. Meriam’s life took a turn for the better when a compassionate Tzu Chi volunteer met her during a donation event in Inabanga. Moved by her story, Tzu Chi Bohol organized her a trip to Manila for an eye check-up.
Meriam and her family continues to donate to Tzu Chi through the coin bank.
In May, Meriam Madrazo underwent the first of her two eye surgeries at the Tzu Chi Eye Center. The procedure removed the cataract in her right eye, allowing her vision to improve just a little. The second part of Meriam’s journey occurred in July when her left eye underwent a similar operation.
Meriam during the surgery at the Tzu Chi Eye Center (Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation)
The opportunity to give Meriam a clear eyesight has already slipped away when she could have receive surgery when she was much younger. Despite this, Tzu Chi’s volunteer eye surgeons still did their best to help. After the surgeries, Meriam was prescribed a pair of eyeglasses to help improve her vision. She was also asked to return for continuous check-ups.
After returning home from Manila following her surgery, Meriam visited the Tzu Chi Bohol office.
“I am so thankful that Tzu Chi came into my life. They brought back all my hopes which I almost lost,” said Meriam.
After receiving her eye surgery, Meriam can now write without assistance
Today, Meriam can recognize the faces of those around her and read without the support of others. This empowers her with the courage to continue her education by enrolling in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to pursue college. Meriam’s dream is to become a teacher. She vowed to become a volunteer in Tzu Chi as a way to pay forward the love she had received.
Seeing a much more cheerful Meriam.
