SaveScarlettEyes

I was never afraid of the dark until I turned 16. Before then I had no reason to be, but my sickness, as idiopathic as it was, took every promise and dream that a little girl could ever want before graduating out of high school away from me. After months of medicine, holistic health approaches and two misdiagnoses of Optic Neuritis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I was finally diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica (AKA Devic's Disease).

I was paralyzed from the sudden inflammation on my spinal cord. Couldn't move, or do for myself anymore, I began to think this would be what I am for the rest of my life. I was reminded by my family that you cannot fail at something, if you never quit; and while being in the dark, not able to see myself physically grow anymore, I knew that growing is something I could still try do without my vision.

Eventually, I was no longer paralyzed and began to do extensive research on ways to get my vision back. I listened to a plethora YouTube videos, I had friends and family read me articles and I had doctors give me their best advice. This, took time though as my life continued to progress only half the way I expected it to.

Later on, I stumbled upon a surgery that was guaranteed to help me get my vision back. Regardless of it being so expensive, I am FULLY determined to achieve this goal because my world without sight is not how I plan to live. And I know I let this disease beat me for the better part of these last few years, but I got into college; and I declared a major that requires a certain type of specialized visual interpretation and discernment skills. And I chose this because I won't allow my disability be the reason why I settle for something less than what I know I could obtain. Now in my 3rd year of college, I'm expected to have all A's and B's in my classes this semester.

I fight an enemy that I cannot see; and this battle has almost cost me everything. My story has been shared by hundreds and now I'm just hoping people see this as an opportunity to tell me there is no need to fear the dark anymore. Whether it is a dream or a promise, your support is received with love and gratitude. All the proceeds will go towards partially  or even fully restoring my vision, in hopes of fulfilling my life’s dream of becoming a fashion merchandiser. No one should ever have their dreams differed because of an unplanned disability, and with your help we can keep a young woman’s dream alive.