A CHANCE TO SEE AGAIN
Donation protected
Imagine having perfect vision, and one day it all goes dark. In 1987 I was diagnosed with Glaucoma. This would forever change my life as I knew it.
Picture being gifted with an aptitude for athletics, a track-star back in High School, an avid basketball player- someone who enjoyed anything physical. On any given day, I could be found playing ball, rock-climbing, cycling, or body surfing. And then, picture what was supposed to be a routine doctors visit turning into news that I would slowly have to give up those passions. It was devastating, to say the least.
I was declared legally blind in 1991, and was quickly forced to reinvent my lifestyle. For those who have had vision and lost it, there is a sense of isolation from society. The subtleties of non-verbal communication such as eye contact and body language are totally absent, and so is the ability to capture my own image in a mirror.
Although I feel that I have managed to sustain an active and creative life, working with ceramics, fiber arts, printmaking, as well as other mediums, I miss the little things that would be easy for someone with sight to take for granted. I miss grocery shopping without the help of an aid, driving, the anticipation of flipping the page, facial expressions, eye contact, and how beautiful she looks in that red dress.
This spring, I will embark on a journey and travel to Florida to restore my vision through an experimental treatment known as Stem Cell Ophthalmology. There are multiple examples of others who have successfully completed this procedure and have regained their vision. I was accepted out of numerous applicants and believe that this is an enormous opportunity for both myself as well as those that will benefit from the continual research that procedures like my own supply. One day stem cell therapy will be a common practice and I see this as a contribution to vision restoration.
My greatest hope is to one day look deeply into the eyes of my loved ones.
I’m eternally grateful for your consideration and support for my chance to see again.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Lancaster
Picture being gifted with an aptitude for athletics, a track-star back in High School, an avid basketball player- someone who enjoyed anything physical. On any given day, I could be found playing ball, rock-climbing, cycling, or body surfing. And then, picture what was supposed to be a routine doctors visit turning into news that I would slowly have to give up those passions. It was devastating, to say the least.
I was declared legally blind in 1991, and was quickly forced to reinvent my lifestyle. For those who have had vision and lost it, there is a sense of isolation from society. The subtleties of non-verbal communication such as eye contact and body language are totally absent, and so is the ability to capture my own image in a mirror.
Although I feel that I have managed to sustain an active and creative life, working with ceramics, fiber arts, printmaking, as well as other mediums, I miss the little things that would be easy for someone with sight to take for granted. I miss grocery shopping without the help of an aid, driving, the anticipation of flipping the page, facial expressions, eye contact, and how beautiful she looks in that red dress.
This spring, I will embark on a journey and travel to Florida to restore my vision through an experimental treatment known as Stem Cell Ophthalmology. There are multiple examples of others who have successfully completed this procedure and have regained their vision. I was accepted out of numerous applicants and believe that this is an enormous opportunity for both myself as well as those that will benefit from the continual research that procedures like my own supply. One day stem cell therapy will be a common practice and I see this as a contribution to vision restoration.
My greatest hope is to one day look deeply into the eyes of my loved ones.
I’m eternally grateful for your consideration and support for my chance to see again.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Lancaster
Organizer
Lawrence Lancaster
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
