My name is Douglas, and I’m in my first year of medical school. Ever since I was a child, I’ve wanted to be a doctor, but my path hasn’t been easy. I grew up in the La Chureca landfill in Managua, Nicaragua.

I lived in the landfill from birth until I was four, with my parents and grandparents. I don’t remember much because I was so little, but my mom says we lived surrounded by smoke, garbage, and pollution. We often got sick because of the environment. They fed me the best they could find at the landfill: fruit, some meat or sausages, and milk when they had any. I slept in a wooden crib my grandfather built, and my toys were also things they managed to salvage that were still in good condition.

My family lived in poverty, but always with dignity. In 2012, we were relocated to Villa Virgen de Guadalupe, a community near La Chureca. Although we left the landfill, the pollution and smoke were still part of the environment.

In elementary school, I began to notice that something wasn’t right. I had trouble seeing the blackboard and had to sit in the front row. We thought it was something common, like nearsightedness or astigmatism, but none of the glasses we tried worked.

Just three years ago, I finally received the correct diagnosis. Doctors explained that I had keratoconus, which is a corneal deformation that causes blurred and distorted vision. The doctor said that without treatment, I could lose my sight. That possibility was very difficult to hear.

Before I got my special scleral contact lenses, I could see only silhouettes. I recognized people by their voices, not their faces. If someone was a certain distance away, I couldn’t make out their face. My world was blurry; I imagined more than I actually saw.

Thanks to the support I received through the Samaritan scholarship program, I was able to get the right contact lenses and follow-up medical care. The lenses changed my life! Now I can see clearly, read, study, and make progress toward my goals. Without that help, I can’t imagine being able to study medicine today.

The hardships I’ve faced have taught me that life can hit hard, but also that you can get back up. For me, hope means that even when everything seems dark, there will always be a small light to keep us going.

To those who made my education possible, I can only say thank you. Thank you for believing in a child who grew up surrounded by smoke and garbage. Thank you for helping me see, literally, my future.

This Mother’s Day, honor your mom or a special woman in your life with a donation that will help give children a path out of poverty.

After you make a donation, we’ll send her a Mother’s Day card that recognizes your gift in her name.

A gift of $50 will provide school uniforms and new shoes. A gift of $100 will feed a scholar’s family for a month, allowing the student to focus on school.

Thanks to generous supporters who cover administrative expenses, 100% of your gift on behalf of your mom or a special woman in your life will go to help children in need.

 Make a Gift: Honor Your Mom