Clear Vision for Aminata "Mimi" Jackson

Mimi and I became good friends in Zimbabwe.

She quickly became my little big sister. Little, because she is younger than I am and big because she is a nurturing, loving and doting mother-hen with everyone she loves and cares for.

I mention these attributes because anyone who knows Mimi will tell you what a bright spark of energy, joy and an embodiment of love she is.

This young lady has taken her trials and tribulations and turned them into motivation that keeps her God-fearing, kind, generous, community-oriented, adventurous and a super lover of all things nature!

Life can be very unkind to people who deserve kindness in tenfold.

When Aminata approached me about her recent diagnosis and potential loss of her vision, I realized that she needs the love and support she has been putting into the world more than anything now.

In Zimbabwe, excellent medical care is reserved for the elite.

The average hard-working individual can face dire straits with extreme medical costs that would be affordable and covered in many other countries.

There is currently an opportunity to undergo a restorative vision procedure in India.

Total costs are in the region of US$6000.

Aminata's sister Sharon, will be acting as full beneficiary for any funds donated. She will receive and co-ordinate money to Zimbabwe for her dear sister.

"My name Aminata Jackson 25 years old. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus 7 years ago.

I'm a student at heart with an insatiable hunger to learn new things. I've always challenged myself to push boundaries and achieve what is sometimes deemed impossible for me.

I have a diploma in IT Systems Support.

I have also trained to be a carer which was fuelled by my passion of helping people I did my training at St John's Ambulance and went on to do some volunteer work at a local hospital.

A new desire and dream of being a nature guide saw me also pursuing wildlife and tourism and I wrote exams with our National parks Board and passed them, qualifiying as a learner guide. I have since done numerous wildlife courses to help me become more knowledgeable in this field and I continue to do so.

There are not as many female guides in the industry, and it gives me all the more motivation to change that narrative.

I have been a part of voluntary work which was aimed at removing old telephone wires which were being used as snares in our National Park, helping preserve our environment and wildlife.

I've also obtained heavy vehicle licenses with both trucks and hydraulic-powered vehicles. A girl who likes trucks!!

All these I've managed to achieve having Keratoconus

I didn't let it stop me.

These were things I felt deep in my heart to do and I'm glad to have followed my true north and done them

In the last 2 years my eye sight has deteriorated to the extent normal day to day activities have become difficult to perform such as cooking and grocery shopping and will need me to have surgery to help manage this eye disease

I have dreams and hopes to study, to work to live an independent life as any young adult would like to do without as many limitations as I have now

I have had to temporarily suspend my studies as well as other activities that required a normal and decent amount of visual acuity to perform

Like a phoenix I will rise.

Life is an adventure and I certainly still have more fight in me to live it to the fullest.

Thank you for your support!