Help Danny See Again: Support a Beloved Costa Rican Wildlife Guide

Danny needs urgent eye surgery to save his sight — and his career as a wildlife guide. Here’s how you can help.

In Costa Rica's vibrant rainforests, where every leaf tells a story and the air fills with the calls of countless birds, Daniel "Danny" Francisco Bolanos Murillo has spent over 20 years helping visitors connect with this magical world.

I met Danny during a recent Road Scholar trip and witnessed his extraordinary gift firsthand. He doesn't just point out wildlife—he brings the entire forest to life. With uncanny ability, he identifies birds by their distant calls, spots perfectly camouflaged creatures, and shares profound knowledge about every living thing.

But now, Danny is losing his sight.

Danny has been diagnosed with ectatic corneal disease (ECD) in both eyes—a progressive condition that causes the corneas to thin and bulge, severely distorting his vision. For someone whose livelihood depends on keen eyesight, this is devastating. Without treatment, his ability to work as a guide—the profession he's practiced since childhood—will disappear.

The solution is corneal transplant surgery in both eyes, which could restore his vision and allow him to continue supporting his family. While Costa Rica has good public healthcare, non-emergency procedures like these often mean waiting up to 10 years — by which time it could be too late.

Private treatment costs $20,000 USD — an impossible sum for Danny's family. Despite his wife and eldest daughter working hard to help (his daughter attending night classes while working), this financial burden is overwhelming.

Your donation will directly fund:

Fund Management & Transparency:

All donations will be personally managed by Laurie Bliss, a retired labor and delivery nurse who met Danny during the Road Scholar trip and has remained in contact with him. Laurie will ensure that 100% of contributions go directly to Danny for his medical procedures — with no administrative fees or deductions. Regular updates on Danny's treatment progress will be shared with all supporters.

Danny has dedicated his life to Costa Rica’s natural treasures and to educating others about them. He’s a forest steward, a passionate teacher, and a devoted husband and father. By helping restore his sight, you’re preserving the legacy of someone who fosters wonder and deep respect for our natural world.

Why This Is Important

If you've ever had your perspective transformed by someone who helped you see what you couldn’t…

If you cherish the natural world the way Danny does…

If you believe in giving back to those who give so much…

Please donate and share this campaign.

Let’s help Danny continue to see — and share — the world he’s dedicated his life to protecting.