A Future for Atsede and Her Son

Atsede Nigusi had had enough of beatings and abuse when she asked her husband for a divorce.  He disappeared, and she thought perhaps she and her 4 year old son were free of him. But then in August 2017, when there was a knock at the door of Atsede's mother’s house in her small village in Ethiopia.  Atsede opened the door to her worst nightmare.  Her estranged husband had returned, and attacked her with battery acid.

In that moment, Atsede’s life changed forever.  She was severely burned on her face, head, hands, and both legs.  After initial treatment in Ethiopia and follow up treatment in Thailand, Atsede was facing a life of insurmountable consequences.  She had lost her sight and was helpless to care for herself, much less her mother and son.

Meanwhile in Richmond, California – a world away – Menbere “Menbe” Aklilu, entrepreneur, businesswoman and philanthropist, heard of Atsede’s story through her contacts on Facebook.  She immediately put gears in motion and was successful in bringing Atsede to the U.S.  Atsede now lives with Menbe and her husband, Jean-Yves, and is receiving treatment to begin reconstruction of her eyes, nose, and ears, as well as a very slow and careful attempt to restore some eyesight.

Atsede, 28, continues to face monumental challenges, both personal and financial.  She is seeking asylum in the U.S. so that she can continue the treatment she so desperately needs, and she is trying to be reunited here with her son—now 6 years old.  Additionally, she will need access to vocational training for the blind, lessons both in English and Braille, and access to therapy to deal with post-traumatic stress.  Please help with a donation if you can.  We are assembling a team of professionals to help Atsede with these and other challenges.  Every bit helps.  Thank you.