Albinism

Hi, Im Ana from Croatia. Im looking people who can help me with some donation witch is for me big THANKFUL.

I dont have any solutions exept to ask people to help me by my new sungllases... ican go out with tham... because I have very sensitive eys... a few days ago I fell down and broke my glasses.The cost of examinations in Zurich and eyewear and my glasses amounts 3000E and i I can't afford it

I have albinism from birth, with 10% vision of one, and 15% vision of other eye. My official diagnosis is Opacities Nystagmus, Amblyopia Oculocutaneous, Albinism, Strabism, and Astigmatisms mixture.

By the age of 18 I was treated for my condition in Croatia, but after that I started my treatments and consultations in Zurich, in Switzerland. I learned a lot from them. They gave me so many practical advices and recommendations for all the glasses I use.

The term albinism typically refers to oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) — a group of inherited disorders where there is little or no production of the pigment melanin. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determines the colour of your skin, hair and eyes. The most recognisable form of albinism results in white hair and very light-coloured skin compared with siblings. Skin colouring (pigmentation) and hair colour can range from white to brown, and may be nearly the same as that of parents or siblings without albinism.

Melanin also plays a role in the development of optic nerves, so people with albinism have vision problems. Signs of albinism are usually apparent in a person's skin, hair and eye colour, but sometimes differences are slight. People with albinism are also sensitive to the effects of the sun. All types of albinism cause problems with functional operations of the eye. Although there's no cure for albinism, people with the disorder can take steps to protect their skin and eyes and maximise their vision. Albinism does not impair intellectual development.

I use aids to help with everyday life, like reading glasses, others for computer, special ones for every day use, and the ones for bike riding and hiking. I want to acquire a special computer that will allow me to finally read the books with ease. I really love books, they have souls. It is beyond difficult for me to read regular books for in only couple of minutes the rows get blurred and mixed up, it is frustrating but I comfort myself with the goal. I close my eyes and say: ‘Ana, the time will come for this,’ :) One of my goals is to write a book about the life with albinism.

When I had completed my secondary education, I did not want to further my education. I wanted to run away from the vortex of pain and all the negative emotions that followed me. After finishing the secondary school, I have started working for my amazing employers, and I have been working with them for 11 years now. I have found a supporting surrounding that never challenged me in any other but good way, they are my second family. I started in the company’s warehouse, and advanced to the Head of marketing department. It is my second home, they educate me and I enjoy all of it in full!

At this point in my life, I have wonderful friends that I can trust. Biking introduced me to so many beautiful souls from the entire country and beyond. Getting to that positive vortex is simply exquisite. I bike more than 10,000 miles per year, I stopped counting... lol... I have organised two successful charity cyclefests with more than 650 cyclists. We have helped those in need, children without parental care.

Hiking also opened new perspectives, friends and places. Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country that we are not quite aware of at times. When I walk the mountains I feel love and gratitude, the power of nature is limitless, we can gain so much by listening to her. Sometimes I bike or hike to the mountain top only to relax in meditation, a fantastic feeling of being connected with nature as an integrated part of her while receiving her messages as gifts.

To be different is your blessing, not your curse. Life is full of miracles that will give you great opportunities to shine, and live your wildest dreams.

Thank you , Ana