Help Aaron Access a Breakthrough Vision Treatment

Many of you know Aaron as an athlete, coach, and friend who has never let vision loss slow him down. As a dedicated member of the Indy Thunder beep baseball team, Aaron has spent years showing others that blindness does not define what someone can accomplish.

Aaron’s vision loss is caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) — a rare genetic condition that gradually damages the retina and causes progressive vision loss. Over time, RP destroys the light-sensing cells in the eye, and currently there is no cure.

Recently, Aaron was approved for the OCU400 Expanded Access Program, a groundbreaking gene therapy designed to help people with inherited retinal diseases like RP. Being approved for this program is incredibly rare and offers hope that the progression of Aaron’s vision loss could be slowed — and possibly improve retinal cell function.

A New Chapter as a Father

Aaron and Jessica recently welcomed our baby boy into the world. Like many parents, Aaron dreams about watching his son, Bishop, grow up — seeing his smile, his expressions, and all of the little moments that make parenthood so special.

Because of his vision loss, Aaron has never been able to clearly see Bishop's face.

This treatment could give Aaron the chance to see his son’s face for the first time — something most parents take for granted, but something that would mean everything to him.

What is OCU400?

OCU400 is an innovative gene therapy that works differently from many other treatments. Instead of targeting just one specific genetic mutation, it delivers a gene called NR2E3, which helps regulate and support the health of retinal cells.

The therapy is delivered through a specialized retinal procedure performed by surgeons trained in gene therapy delivery. Once administered, the treatment works at the cellular level to help support and protect the remaining retinal cells.

Why We Need Your Help

While Aaron has been fortunate enough to be accepted into the Expanded Access Program, the procedure itself comes with significant medical costs that insurance does not cover.

The estimated cost for the treatment and related care is approximately $40,000.

Funds raised will help cover:

The OCU400 gene therapy procedure

Specialized retinal surgery and medical care

Travel and follow-up medical visits

Why This Matters

For Aaron, this treatment represents more than just a medical procedure — it represents hope.

Hope to slow the progression of vision loss.

Hope to preserve the independence he has worked so hard for.

Hope to continue coaching, playing beep baseball, and staying active in the blind sports community.

And most importantly, hope that he might one day see his son’s face.

How You Can Help

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this page. Every contribution — big or small — helps bring Aaron one step closer to accessing this potentially life-changing treatment.

Your support truly means the world to our family.

Thank you for being part of Aaron’s journey.