Jovino Sánchez, 73, comes from Belén Gualcho, a town nestled in the mountains of Ocotepeque.
For as long as he can remember, his life has been rooted in the countryside—agriculture was his work, his school, and the way he provided for his family. Though he never owned land, he never gave up; each year he rented plots to plant corn and beans, from which he sustained his household and created opportunities for his loved ones.
Fourteen months ago, his world went completely dark. The blindness caused by cataracts took away not only his sight, but also his ability to work and live the active life he had always known.
“I’ve always loved to work,” he told us with enthusiasm as he recalled his past. But his voice broke when he added, “It’s been 14 months since I stopped working, but thanks to God, I haven’t gone without tortillas,” referring to the fact that even in hardship, he has always had the basics to survive.
His heart filled with joy when he received a call from CAMO’s Ophthalmology Service, inviting him to be part of a cataract surgery campaign. He arrived at the operating room with high blood pressure—he suffers from hypertension and hadn’t been able to buy his medication due to lack of money. Still, he underwent surgery on his left eye with faith and hope.
Today, Jovino can once again see with that eye. His recovery is progressing well, and he looks forward to his next surgery, which will allow him to regain his full vision.
With gratitude and hope, he dreams of returning to the life he has always loved: working the land, walking confidently along the paths of Belén Gualcho, and once again seeing the fruits of his labor.
