Further to an update provided via UBC on July 14, masters student Rumana Monzur completed eye surgeries last week. Four surgeries were performed in an attempt to establish some vision, but the severity of the injuries were found to be beyond repair.
Monzur has asked the university to convey the news that medical procedures were unable to restore any vision.
Monzur is looking forward to having her daughter and mother join her soon, and has indicated she will provide comment after she has had some time to recover from surgeries and spend time with her family. She has asked that the media respect the privacy of her family during this difficult time.
Editors: Assoc. Prof. Lisa Sundstrom, Political Science graduate program director, is available for personal comments about community support. For expertise on the issues faced by those who have lost their vision, please contact the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Executive Director John Mulka, office: 604.431.2007, cell: 604.649.1047.
“I am very grateful for the medical care I have received,” said Monzur. “It had been my wish to recover my eyesight so I could see all the people who have been helping me. I want you all to pray for me. My family and I will need some time to adjust to this news.”
Monzur’s eyes were damaged in early June when she was severely beaten in an attack in Bangladesh. Her husband has been accused of the attack.
“Our hearts go out to Ms. Monzur,” said Louise Nasmith, Vice President of Students, pro tem. “Our campus community is responding with concern and ongoing support. We have also seen an outpouring of support from the broader community.”
To date UBC has received more than $61,000 in gifts toward its goal of raising $70,000 to cover health needs, living expenses and costs related to Monzur completing her studies.
UBC students continue to hold events in support of Monzur: http://www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/2011/07/14/ubc-students-mobilize-for-rumana-monzur-as-she-undergoes-care/
To support Monzur, visit: www.ubc.ca/helprumana
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