The Knight Family: Fighting Blindness for Three Generations

In 2018, Peter and Becket had the opportunity to join the Flying Eye Hospital program in Mongolia. There, they watched Orbis-led ophthalmic training sessions on board the plane and at a local hospital, spent time talking to patients, observed a live surgery, and met eye health professionals from Mongolia and around the world.

However, there was one little girl who will be difficult to forget. Peter and Becket met Marla and her family when they visited her community in rural Mongolia. "Marla has a face that stays with you," Peter says. What also has stayed with Peter is the impact of meeting someone who benefitted from his father's legacy, which he was grateful to share with Becket.

"When you are in the home of a girl who will be able to see because of an idea that my father helped turn into a reality, it's hard to not want to share that with your children. Not because of pride, though I am proud of him, but so that they will know how far their good deeds can travel and that the impulse to care for others is never the wrong one," Peter explains.

Becket was also moved by the experience: "Throughout my life, I have heard stories from my family about Orbis, but going on the airplane and being in the hospital were incredible because I got to see just how many people Orbis helps."

In fact, Becket took it upon herself to start a fundraising campaign for Orbis, which included a presentation in front of her whole school. Peter was so proud of how his daughter rallied her fellow students to support our sight-saving mission. And all of us at Orbis are grateful!

With the dedication and generosity of the next generation of the Knight family – and all our donors and supporters – children like Marla, as well as their children and grandchildren, can enjoy healthy vision and bright futures. Thank you!