Double Cataract Surgery & Lens Replacement Costs

Hello everyone.

If you are here, then you are probably aware that I am fully blind in my left eye and am moving into blindness in my right eye as well due to a specific type of rapid growing cataract in each eye. Experiencing this rapid decline in vision has definitely been a trip and something I never thought I would ever go through, but here I am doing the best I can until I can see again.

While you're here, let me tell you a brief story about why we are both here together:

A close friend of mine, or should I say, "a little Bird told me", that I should start a GoFundMe so people can help me with paying for my eye surgeries. Immediately after there was an instant whirlwind of shame, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, worry, and an argument with ego which my brain then puked out all the feelings into the following internal dialog: Hold on, why would I do that? I don't need help! And then what would people think of me? There's such a stigma behind starting a GoFundMe due to how and why people have utilized this avenue to raise money. What if I'm seen as a beggar? I might lose friends or be judged. Or maybe someone will think that I'm not worth the help, that I don't deserve it. And why would I be asking? I should be able to take care of myself!

I told my friend that I would think about it, and I sat on the suggestion for 24 hours. Then I sat on it some more. A few days turned into a week. A week became almost two weeks. Every day I considered and deeply thought about every reaction I had in that first 2 minutes after my friend approached me. I didn't just consider my own feelings about it, but I also looked outside of myself and considered the feelings of others too. I had to let go of the ego and self-judgement and realize that I am surrounded by friends, family, and an amazing community that would feel joy if given the opportunity to help. Who am I to be stubborn, knowing full well that I actually DO need support, and rob them of that joy?

This is why we are both here. I am asking for help, and you are hopefully here to help me.

My goal is to raise $10,000. The cost of the surgeries is $8000. Due to the limitations post-surgery, I will also be out of work resulting in two full weeks of non-paid Leave of Absence. The remaining money will help me pay fees for this fundraising and help me recoup some money from not being able to work. My first surgery is in February and the second is in March.

My utmost deepest gratitude goes to you for being here, for thinking about me, for considering my situation, and if you have decided to donate. It means the world to me.

With love,

Susan