Bassam is 9 years old. Jad is just 3.
These two beautiful brothers from Lebanon have been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, specifically Leber Congenital Amaurosis — a rare inherited retinal disease that causes severe vision loss beginning in early childhood.
For many families facing retinitis pigmentosa, there are no treatment options, so vision loss is inevitable.
However, for Bassam and Jad, there is hope.
After genetic testing, doctors identified that both boys have a mutation in the RPE65 gene. This is critically important — because RPE65 is currently the only known genetic mutation causing RP for which an approved treatment exists.
A groundbreaking, gene therapy called Luxturna can preserve their remaining vision — but it must be done early, before further damage occurs. The treatment must be performed in both eyes for each child.
Unfortunately, this procedure is not available in Lebanon. The boys must travel to Paris, France to receive treatment at Hôpital National de la Vision, one of the few specialized centers in the world offering this therapy.
The cost of treatment is €596,640 for each child, which comes to €1,193,280 total (approximately $1,408,477 USD). This is an immense financial burden on any one family to face.
This goal covers only the cost of the medical procedures themselves.
It does not include: International flights from Lebanon to France, accommodation in Paris, follow-up visits, and many other associated expenses.
Time is critical. The earlier the treatment is performed, the better the chance of preserving their sight. No family should have to choose between their children’s sight and financial survival. The cost is overwhelming — but together, we can make it possible.
If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this campaign. Sharing could help reach someone who can make a difference.
Thank you for helping give Bassam and Jad the chance to continue seeing the world around them.
Organizer and beneficiary
Assaad Mohanna
Beneficiary


