Chyvonne Blanchard is a participant in the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP) Research Study taking place in Chicago, Illinois. As part of this groundbreaking research, she recently underwent brain surgery to have electrodes implanted into her visual cortex. Researchers are now working to activate those electrodes in hopes of creating crude artificial vision by sending visual information directly to the brain.

Her participation in the study is expected to last between two and four years, requiring ongoing trips to Chicago for testing, research sessions, and follow-up appointments.

Although Chyvonne is completely blind, she chose to participate in this study to help advance science and create new possibilities for future generations of people who are blind. Her courage and dedication could help researchers better understand how technology may one day restore useful vision to individuals who have lost sight.

The study covers Chyvonne's medical care, travel, lodging, and meals while she is in Chicago. However, it does not compensate her for the time she must spend away from work. Because her participation is expected to continue for several years, these lost wages can create a significant financial burden over time. Chyvonne works for Affiliated Blind of Louisiana , and her testing schedule often requires her to spend as many as two weeks every month in Chicago participating in research sessions at the The Chicago Lighthouse .

As a result, she faces a significant loss of income while contributing to a study that has the potential to impact countless lives.

Funds raised through this campaign will help cover:

Lost wages during research visits

Household expenses while away from work

Financial stability throughout her participation in the study

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps relieve the financial burden and allows Chyvonne to continue contributing to this important research.

By supporting Chyvonne, you're supporting a woman who has chosen to be part of something bigger than herself. A study that could help shape the future of blindness research and visual prosthetics.

Thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and belief in a future filled with new possibilities.

Please donate if you can, and share this fundraiser with your family, friends, and community.

Together, we can support Chyvonne as she helps change the future of vision research.

Click here for a link to a PBS NOVA video explaining the research.