Doctors in Vancouver say that the eyesight of attacked UBC student Rumana Monzur's can never be restored, but she is positively adapting to the daunting news with the support she has found in Canada.
"I am very grateful for the medical care I have received," said Monzur in a statement issued through the university on Monday. "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. "
The 33-year-old woman was brutally assaulted in front of her five-year-old daughter on June 5 while on a visit home in Bangladesh.
Monzur returned to Vancouver this month with her father seeking further medical assessments at the hands of UBC eye specialists. However, a statement from the university says that after completing four eye surgeries last week to reestablish some vision, doctors found that the damage in both eyes is too severe to repair.
The graduate student has been discharged and is recovering at a UBC family home on campus with her father. She will be reunited with her daughter and mother later this week.
"She is very excited because her mother and daughter are coming back soon. It is admirable how much her father has taken care of her here," Sarah Meli, a close friend of Monzur, told ctvbc.ca.
Monzur's husband allegedly gouged her eyes and bit her throat and nose after a violent quarrel over her studies in Canada in front of their child. He has been charged with attempted murder over this attack and remains behind bars.
The political science student has been coping with the devastating prognosis with optimism. She is not letting the assault deter her willingness to succeed, friends say.
"I am so impressed with the way she is adjusting to the news. I am amazed at her courage because she is willing to go head with her life," Sotonye Godwin-A Hart, a close friend of the victim, told ctvbc.ca.
"She doesn't want to cry anymore."
Monzur has an unwavering desire to complete her master degree and possibly pursue a PhD once she feels stronger.
"I have a great sense of admiration at her strength. She is determined to move on with her life and continue with her studies," Meli said.
The blinded student is already learning how to move around on her own and is listening to audio books for the first time. She will continue her thesis with the support of visual impairment services available on campus and the UBC Political Science department.
The UBC community has responded to Monzur's tragedy with fortitude.
Students, staff and colleagues have lent their voice and time to bring awareness to the brutal assault and have raised funds to cover her medical bills and living expenses in Canada.
Their collective efforts are paying off and Canadians have shown generosity towards Monzur.
"Our campus community is responding with concern and ongoing support. We have also seen an outpouring of support from the broader community," said Louise Nasmith, vice president of students, pro-tem, in a statement.
UBC has collected $61,000 so far through their online donation system. The university aims to collect $70,000 to support Monzur's financial needs.
