Story of Marie Jeanne and Germaine
Discover the story of Marie Jeanne and her daughter Germaine, who were both affected by cataracts and regained their sight on board the Africa Mercy.
At the age of 80, Marie Jeanne had already faced great hardship: seven of her eight children had passed away. Her only surviving daughter, Germaine, worked the fields while caring for her daughter and granddaughter. Three years ago, Marie Jeanne’s world began to dim. Cataracts slowly robbed her of her sight, confining her to the familiar corners of her home. “I can’t see anything anymore,” she said. “I stay inside, and when I have to go out, I use a stick.”
One year later, Germaine’s eyesight also began to deteriorate due to cataracts. She could no longer farm the land and lost her independence. “During the holidays, we used to celebrate, dance, and share meals with the whole family,” she recalled. “Now, life is different.”
A journey to reclaim their lost lives
It was thanks to Florence, a relative living in the port city of Toamasina, that Marie Jeanne and Germaine learned about Mercy Ships. She had heard about it on the radio and television and encouraged them both to register for a free surgery on board the hospital ship Africa Mercy.
In 2024, they travelled to Toamasina and underwent cataract surgery on the same day, side by side in the operating theatre. Swiss volunteer surgeon Dr Guy Chevalley described the severity of their condition: “Their cataracts were so advanced that their pupils were no longer black, but completely white.” Ella Hawthorne, ophthalmic programme manager, added: “They could only perceive movement — just a hand waving in front of them. That was all.”
The next day, the medical team removed their eye patches. For the first time in nearly three years, Marie Jeanne and Germaine looked into each other’s eyes. The surgery had taken only 15 minutes, but it changed everything: they could once again see light and colour. Overcome with emotion, they danced together just as they used to. “It was incredibly moving to see their joy when we removed both patches at the same time,” Dr Chevalley recalled.
Seeing new opportunities ahead
Filled with renewed energy, Marie Jeanne and Germaine returned to their village. Marie Jeanne eagerly resumed her craft, weaving raffia into mats and hats with the skill she had always possessed. “I missed weaving so much; it’s something I am good at.”
Germaine also regained her independence. She returned to the fields, walks without assistance, and sells fruit on her own. Free from blindness, she participates actively in village and community life and looks after her children.
Once burdened by hardship, the family can now look forward to new opportunities: “Our eyes can see again, and our hearts are full of joy. We no longer live in darkness,” said Marie Jeanne.
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Story of Marie Jeanne and Germaine
Discover the story of Marie Jeanne and her daughter Germaine, who were both affected by cataracts and regained their sight on board the Africa Mercy.
