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Blind Fan Seeks Operation for Sight

Hello Friends,

My name is Rich Roberts. Today, I am making an appeal on behalf of my good friend Pat Yarber. Pat is legally blind and has slowly been losing his vision for the past 45 years or so. As a child, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa which affects the peripheral vision and also causes night blindness. Then, about 10 years ago, he was diagnosed with macular degeneration, which has affected his central vision. Over the past 6 months or so, his vision has gotten so bad that he can just see hazy shapes.  

At this time, there is no cure for Pat’s condition.  However, a few months ago, Pat heard about a clinical trial in Florida (www.clinicaltrials.gov  Identifier NCT03011541) that was seeking patients such as Pat who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration and who are legally blind. The operation consists of treating the patient using the patient’s own stem cells.

Wanting to learn more, Pat contacted Dr. Steven Levy M.D. who along with Dr. Jeffrey Weiss M.D. have been conducting the clinical trials in Florida at the ParkCreek Surgery Center in Coconut Creek. Pat was put in touch with a gentleman by the name of Doug Oliver who had the procedure done last fall. Doug ended up receiving significant benefit.  

After thinking more about the procedure, Pat sent his medical records to Dr. Levy where they were reviewed by Dr. Weiss.

The good news is that Pat has been accepted into the trial.

The bad news is that it costs $19,600 and is not covered by insurance.

Although Pat has worked most of his adult life, he has had to leave his job 6 years ago due to vision loss. He is now on Disability and cannot afford such a large medical bill.

The operation will be done in Florida. Pat lives in Nashville. While in Florida, Pat will be required to pay for additional after-care assistance from the medical staff which will require an additional cost.

Airfare, hotel and meals as well as after-care assistance from the medical staff is estimated to be $3,400.

In total, Pat needs to raise $23,000 by August 31st since his operation is scheduled for September 2017.

Pat is what as knows as a Super Sports Fan. He especially loves college football. He is former Detroiter so of course he is a huge Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan.  Since he moved to Nashville, he has become a Vanderbilt football and Nashville Predators fan.

Pat isn’t expecting a miracle, but hopes that this procedure will make simple day-to-day tasks such as preparing a meal or cleaning up his condo easier...and of course to be able to again watch college football.

Please consider making a donation so that Pat can have the operation that may allow for better vision.

Any amount is greatly appreciated.

I thank you in advance.

Rich Roberts
Dearborn Heights. MI
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Donations 

  • Theresa Martin
    • $50 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Rich Roberts
Organizer
Dearborn Heights, MI
Pat Yarber
Beneficiary

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