Dry Eye, Captain! Zoey's Birthday Fundraiser

Ahoy Me Hearties!!

Yer fella buccaneer here is hoping to plunder a few of your pockets for me birthday (April 22) to help me afford treatment for me poor, dry eyes! I am of no more need, you see, of rum, jewels or new sails....

Avast ye. Since I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2018, I have suffered from chronically dry eyes. Eye issues can often be a co-morbidity of Crohn's. Due to inflammation and autoimmune complications I have what's called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction–this is where the oil producing glands (aye, we have glands that produce oil in our eyes so that our tears don't just dry up immediately) aren't working properly. Mine are truncated and blocked which means I am in discomfort daily... my tears dry out in a record 3 seconds... BLIMEY!

For many years I’ve lived with a lot of discomfort, especially in the mornings. And not to mention, spent $350-400 on average for eyedrops a year. Well, your bucko has had enough!!! Recently I sailed the 7 Seas in search of help. I found an eye clinic that has very promising treatments for yer matey. After some examinations the doctor illuminated 2 treatment routes that will greatly improve the issues associated with my chronically dry eyes (if not eradicate them.... yo ho ho!). One treatment, called Forma-I, heats up my Meibomian Glands without frying my eyeballs (because a blind pirate ain't worth his salt) enough to melt the oil blockages. The other is Intense Pulse Light which will reduce the blood vessel inflammation in my eyes, therefore giving space for my glands to function properly. Ye savvy?

Aye... Can ye help a young salty sea dog bring a spring upon'er? These treatments together cost $2595. Yer mate here is already steering the ship towards the treasure with my first treatment being May 21. Any amount that you can donate would bring a smile upon me old weathered face.

Yee see, I’m also trying to prevent long term eye damage. There’s a chance for corneal damage and blurred vision in the future if this goes untreated for a long time. Blasted!

So…. All hands on deck and HEAVE HO! Can ye help build me coffer?