Born with glaucoma MUM'S GIFT TO HER GIRL
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|September 25, 2023
Resourceful Maria has opened up the world for those struggling with their sight
Ruth Jillings
Born with glaucoma MUM'S GIFT TO HER GIRL

By the time Annabelle Geisler was just four years old, she had I already had 30 eye surgeries.

Now seven, the young Christchurch girl is the rare one in 10,000 children in New Zealand born with glaucoma.

Typically, the eye condition, where the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, affects those over 60, but straight after birth, doctors noticed a difference in Annabelle.

"She was born with swollen eyes and they looked cloudy," remembers her mum Maria Ferenza.

Since those first moments, Annabelle has had to adjust to a world she sees differently than others.

But Maria is always in her daughter's corner, advocating for her, seeking out resources or creating them herself to improve Annabelle's life and the lives of others with special needs, low vision and blindness.

"If you feel your child needs something, push for it," shares Maria, 39, who is also mum to Sebastian, nine. "You have to fight for it. Nothing has come easily for my daughter. I always had to make it happen.

"Because of the uncertainty with Annabelle's sight, we decided to introduce her to Braille when she was five years old, but I couldn't find anything in New Zealand. Everything was from overseas and very expensive, or a bit of boring cardboard with some Braille letters. So, I got a 3D printer and started experimenting with making things. People were over the moon about the idea."

This story is from the September 25, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 25, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYView All
The perfect GETAWAY
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

The perfect GETAWAY

From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Message in a BOTTLE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Message in a BOTTLE

Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Empowered & thriving!  PERFECT AT ANY AGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE

Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE

From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT

The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD

After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART

After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро

It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART

The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB

The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024