“Please Don't Judge Me”: Visually Impaired Woman Appeals for $56,000 Eye Surgery
After undergoing a corneal graft in 2017, a Trinidad and Tobago woman is seeking public assistance for surgery on her other eye, while reassuring potential donors that her appeal is genuine.
A visually impaired Trinidad and Tobago woman is making a heartfelt appeal for financial assistance to undergo eye surgery, sharing photographs, medical contact information and WhatsApp correspondence in an effort to demonstrate that her request for help is genuine.
Raenatha Holassie, who also uses the Facebook name Christabel Campbell, says she needs approximately TT$56,246 to undergo a corneal graft procedure on her left eye.
But while the cost of surgery presents a significant challenge, Holassie says she is also concerned about people questioning the legitimacy of her appeal.
In an emotional voice recording shared with TG News, she pleaded for understanding, insisting that she is genuinely seeking assistance.
“I'm very honest, it's no scam. No, no scam, none at all,” she said.
“I'm just asking for a little support, if possible, please.”
A previous eye surgery in 2017
According to Holassie, her struggle with impaired vision is not new.
She explained that she previously underwent a corneal graft in her right eye in 2017 and is now seeking treatment for her left eye.
In a photograph submitted to TG News, she drew attention to the appearance of her right eye, explaining that it had undergone the earlier procedure.
“If you look carefully my right eye has blue that's the corneal graft. That surgery was done in 2017. Now my left eye has to be done,” she wrote.
A corneal graft, also known as a corneal transplant, involves replacing damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. The procedure may be recommended for certain conditions affecting the cornea and a person's vision.
Holassie has not disclosed the specific medical diagnosis requiring her latest proposed procedure, but says her existing visual impairment has significantly affected her sight.
“I am also a visually impaired person, so my sight is not all that wholesome,” she explained.
Surgery and graft estimated at over $56,000
Holassie said she was contacted by a technician who provided information about the anticipated costs.
As the figures were being explained to her, she wrote them down by hand.
She subsequently shared the handwritten figures with TG News, apologising for the appearance of her notes.
“Excuse my handwriting,” she said, explaining that she had been recording the amounts as they were communicated.
According to her account, the estimated expenses include US$3,565 for the corneal graft and TT$32,000 for the surgical procedure.
She places the combined cost at approximately TT$56,246.
Although she has supplied these figures, TG News has not independently obtained a formal medical quotation confirming the total.
Seeking proof so people would believe her
Perhaps one of the most revealing aspects of Holassie's appeal is her effort to obtain supporting documentation before asking others to contribute.
Among the information shared with TG News were screenshots of a WhatsApp exchange involving an account identified as the Caribbean Eye Institute, the medical facility she says is associated with her treatment.
In one message, Holassie specifically requested written proof of her proposed surgery.
“Can I get proof that I'll be having my surgery please? I'm trying to get financial assistance, but I need to show as evidence so people will not think it's a scam,” she wrote.
The message demonstrates her concern about how her request might be perceived by members of the public.
In the correspondence, a representative communicating through the institute's account responded that they were not suggesting her appeal was fraudulent.
“We are not suggesting that it is scam,” the message stated, before referring to outstanding quotations that the team apparently had to deal with.
A subsequent response offered some reassurance.
“OUR team will try our best to assist,” the representative wrote.
The exchange was signed by someone identifying himself as Mr Paul.
Holassie clarified that she was not accusing anyone at the institute of doubting her. Rather, she wanted official documents that she could present to people from whom she hoped to request assistance.
The messages do not confirm that a formal quotation has since been issued, but they show her efforts to obtain documentation to support her fundraising request.
Sharing information to support her appeal
Holassie also provided a photograph of a Caribbean Eye Institute contact card displaying its Valsayn and Arima locations, along with an image showing the institute's WhatsApp contact number.
The material was submitted alongside her handwritten cost breakdown, photograph and correspondence.
While these items provide further context about her attempts to document her medical circumstances, they do not independently establish the quoted surgical costs or confirm that a procedure has been scheduled.
Nevertheless, the information she has shared reflects her determination to explain her situation and reassure those who may be willing to assist.
For someone already dealing with limited vision, having to repeatedly defend a request for medical assistance can add another emotional challenge to an already difficult situation.
A plea for compassion, not judgement
Throughout her communication, Holassie repeatedly emphasised that she was not demanding financial assistance but simply hoping that people who were able to contribute might consider doing so.
Her appeal was accompanied by expressions of gratitude, even towards those who may have questions about her circumstances.
Rather than reacting angrily to the possibility that people might doubt her request, she chose to explain her situation and provide the information available to her.
There is an important distinction between encouraging members of the public to verify a fundraising appeal and making unsupported accusations against someone asking for help.
Holassie's correspondence shows that she recognises the importance of verification and has been seeking documentation to help potential supporters make informed decisions.
As she continues her efforts to secure the money needed for treatment, she hopes her appeal will be met with understanding.
Her final words in the recording were particularly moving.
“Thanks very much for your understanding. Thanks so much for not judging me as well.”
For Holassie, the hope is that financial assistance will help her pursue treatment for her left eye, following the procedure she says she underwent on her right eye nine years ago.
Anyone considering contributing to the appeal is encouraged to seek confirmation of the medical quotation and use a verified payment arrangement.
For now, her message remains simple: she is asking for help, understanding and an opportunity to pursue the treatment she says she needs.
