Taylor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7. Being diagnosed with a devastating illness at such a young age came with several unexpected challenges and setbacks.

In early 2022, Taylor began to notice subtle changes in her vision. A few short weeks later, she began to experience severe blurred vision. She decided to see an eye doctor, and was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. She was immediately referred to a retinal specialist who advised her that her vision was at a 9 out of 10 in severity. Taylor was informed that she would need to have a series of eye injections and laser treatments, likely followed by surgery to save her eyesight.

Despite healthy lifestyle changes and receiving presurgical treatments in an attempt to save her eyesight, Taylor’s eyes continued to worsen. Currently, she only has slight peripheral vision in her left eye and vision in her right has significantly worsened in the past few weeks. Because of this critical state, she is now unable to drive, work or simply do the everyday things she loves. She is scheduled to have surgery on both eyes with the hope of saving her eyesight. She is unable to work, but has numerous monthly bills that she needs to pay. She is asking for the help of the community during this extremely devastating time in her life. The money raised from this campaign will help pay for Taylor's surgery, and could help cover her monthly bills until she is able to return to work.

Taylor's greatest passion is photography, which she is currently unable to pursue. She genuinely believes that everything in life happens for a reason, and that her eyesight will be restored in beautiful timing. This chapter is building in her a strong sense of perseverance and faith. She is determined to not let this condition define her but help sculpt her into a stronger, more unique version of herself. Even while experiencing this struggle, she remains hopeful and aspires to help guide and support others with similar stories in the future.

UPDATE:

Taylor would like to thank everyone who has donated to her GoFundMe. With your generous help, Taylor was able to have surgery on her left eye. Although the surgery went well, minimal vision has returned. The doctor has assured her that every patient is different and she just needs to give it time. She had hoped to return to work after this surgery, but unfortunately is not able to at this time.

The vision in her right eye has significantly worsened over the last few weeks. She is now having emergency surgery on October 22nd for her right eye. She will be out of work for at least a few more months while in recovery.

Taylor has applied for short term disability, but has been informed it can take 4-6 months to receive any financial benefits. She currently has zero income coming in, and she’s fallen behind on all of her bills. In addition, she is expecting to have to pay for even more surgical and medical expenses. She’s been under immense distress in dealing with the loss of her vision, and now is under the financial stress of not being able pay her bills and other living costs.

It’s extremely uncomfortable for Taylor to ask for additional financial support, but she felt the need to be transparent and share the dire situation she is currently in. Throughout this difficult chapter in her life, her faith continues to grow and she remains very hopeful that her vision will restore in time.