Rwanda: On one catastrophic day in 1994, armed gangs swept into Josephine’s Rwandan village and she lost almost all her family. Then, five years ago, she lost her sight.

There is no way to give Josephine back her family. But we were able to restore her sight.

April 7 is Rwanda's National Day of Mourning, to remember and grieve the lives of those lost during the terrible atrocities.

Before her successful cataract operations it was impossible for Josephine to attend the annual remembrance ceremony.

"The National Day of Mourning is a very important time for me," Josephine said, "because so many of my family members perished in the violence. During this week, I mourn. I meditate about what happened."

"I have had double pain. I have not been able to see and because of this I have not been able to attend the National Day of Mourning. I have been unable to see what other people have been going through or join them in remembering the lives of our lost loved ones."

This year will be different for Josephine. This year, she can see again.

"I was blind for five years. I felt hopeless during those five years but after the operations I feel like I am alive again."

It is hard to imagine living through the horrific violence in Rwanda in 1994. It has taken years to begin to heal this country, but restoring eyesight is a tangible, practical way of making a difference.

Fred Hollows always said that Africa was one of the reasons he became an ophthalmologist.

"I discovered that one of the most useful things a doctor could do there was take out a cataract."

Josephine's eyesight was restored by Dr Dembele, an ophthalmologist from Kigali, who regularly travels to the eye unit in the town of Gisenyi in Western Rwanda. The Fred Hollows Foundation pays allowances and accommodation fees for this doctor so he can visit once a month.

"I was overjoyed to get the surgery,” said Josephine. “During it I felt no pain."

"Now, I see. I see!’ she exclaimed, “I can see very well."

The Foundation built and supplied equipment to Gisenyi – the first Eye Surgical Unit in the Western Province of Rwanda. We have provided crucial training to health staff to screen and refer patients to the Gisenyi eye unit for treatment.

In telling her story, Josephine leaned over and said:

"I am very happy. Please give my message to the other people who need help and say thank you to the doctors that helped me."

Your gift will help the Foundation raise money to support and expand this important work in Rwanda – to bring sight and new life to people like Josephine.