Be Eden's Angel: Eyesight Surgery Fund

Hi, my name is Tai Wagner (www.facebook.com/tcwagner) and I created this GoFundMe to help support my dear, sweet, longtime friend Eden Davis (www.facebook.com/eden.davis) who is living alone in Mexico and needs to have a cornea transplant, plus a cataract surgery, to get her eyesight back.

Two years ago, Eden was struck down by the crippling effects of an Acanthamoeba parasite infection in her left eye. Below is a photo of an Acanthamoeba—imagine having one of those in your eye!

Within a week of the onset of her symptoms in January 2019, Eden had been to three doctors, tried multiple eyedrops and oral medications without a positive effect.

By the time the third doctor told her to go straight to the emergency room because she could lose her eye, it had filled with puss and she was in excruciating pain. If puss makes you squeamish, skip the following photo.


I remember when Eden texted me these pictures. I was horrified and felt so helpless and worried for her.

She was admitted to I.C.U., where the pain would often reach a level so excruciating it would wake her up in tears—so intense, not even the morphine could keep it under control.




Many tests later, after being in hospital for nearly three weeks, Eden’s doctors still had no diagnosis. Because they didn't know what they were treating, the infection got so bad it ripped a hole in her cornea.

After weeks without answers, with the infection worsening, a second opinion--which my friend had to seek independently---discovered the correct diagnosis: the Acanthamoeba parasite pictured at the beginning.

The hospital agreed with the diagnosis of the parasite, and gave Eden new medication--eye drops, which they mis-prescribed, directing her to use double the intended/recommended strength. Their mistake nearly cost Eden her eye--and would have, had she continued to follow the insistence of the doctors to keep taking the drops as prescribed.

I remember us texting back and forth about this, Eden sending me photos of the pharmacy print-out for the medication, very distressed. The hospital insisted the dosage was the right amount, even with Eden telling them numerous times that the drops felt and looked like they were "killing her eye."

Only through Eden’s diligent independent online research did she discover the correct information and recommended initial dosage--a fact the hospital conceded, because it was impossible to deny. 

But the damage had already been done.

The overdose in medication caused a chemical burn and cataract, which now clouds my friends eye, doubling her sight issues. 


The scarring on the cornea, combined with the cataract, creates major safety issues and discomfort for Eden. Vision out of this eye appears blurry and holographic, with major blindspots, preventing night driving and making daytime driving a difficult, often scary endeavor.

This has been a harrowing and grueling journey for my sweet, strong friend, who has navigated her fear and suffering with courage and heart. Through it all, she was always a giving, caring, loving friend to me, doing whatever she could do to help and brighten my day. 


I ask you to be the angel of an earth angel--my friend---who would go out of her way to help a stranger or a stray dog, a person who would do anything for a friend.

Put some love in the form of a donation toward Eden's eye fund. Every bit adds up. Ten people giving $20 yields $200! We are so strong together and we can help a truly amazing, wonderful person who's come through excruciating, deeply trying circumstances over the past two years. Eden has one more leg to her journey--which is where you come in. 


Eden's surgeon has given her the green light to get a cornea transplant & cataract surgery, which will restore her sight, remove the cataract, and be an overall game-changer for my friend's quality of life, safety and health--essential to her recovery. But it's extremely expensive, and insurance covers very little  (expense breakdown below).

Donate what you can, and know you are helping a very special, loving & giving person during a very challenging time.

Much gratitude for your time,

Tai Wagner

Because the expenses are substantial, WE ASK THAT YOU SHARE THIS campaign beyond Eden's immediate social circle & community. Please consider reposting or telling a friend. YOUR REPOST MEANS A LOT.

*If you would prefer to contribute by check, in the USA, please send to:

Eden Davis
991 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite C, # 465
CA 92075

For AU:

Tom Davis
10 Best St., Brighton 4017 Queensland Australia


*


EXPENSES BREAKDOWN:

1. Cornea transplant & cataract surgeries w/insurance, out of pocket: $17,500

 2. Surgery medical aftercare facility, surgeon visits before & after surgery: $6,175.              

3. Surgery aftercare medical center:  $4,600 (insurance does not cover)                

4. Pre-and-post-surgery accommodation for follow-up appointments w/surgeon hotel expenses for appointments w/surgeon: $1,575  (Eden resides in Mexico & her surgeon is in Los Angeles.)

5. Medical expenses total $6,175

6. Driver to L.A. doctors' appointments & surgeries. $1,480 (driving is dangerous in any multi-lain highway due to the vision impairment of Eden's left eye.)

7. After surgery home help 4-6 weeks: $1,960 (Eden is prescribed bed rest for 4-6 weeks after surgery or she might rip the threads binding her cornea.)

8. Medications: $1920

Total without hospital bill:  $29,035

Total with hospital bill: $36,015

Hospital bill still owed: $6,980

TOTAL: $270,715