URGENTLY REQUESTING FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY EYE SURGERY:

***Douangsavanh Barrett is at risk of blindness and we are urgently requesting funds to help cover the surgery***

"Eyes produce and drain fluid. Unfortunately, your eyes aren't able to properly drain it, so it keeps building up. You will need surgery, and without it, this WILL turn into a medical emergency." Those were the words uttered today at my mother's eye appointment. Our family doesn't usually ask for help, but with permanent eye damage and possible blindness on the table, we are in need of a helping hand to pay for a vital but expensive surgery.

Douangsavanh Barrett, as some of you all know, was diagnosed with Lupus at just the age of 15. This disease, which impacts many parts of the body, has sadly also impacted her eyes. For a while now, my mother has been to several appointments trying to find a way to decrease her high eye pressures. This is usually something that can be combated with simple eye drops. However, she has an allergy to sulfa, which is a drug that eye pressure-decreasing drops contain. On top of this, the laser eye surgery that she underwent recently was also unsuccessful at treating her.

This means that her only option is to undergo cataract surgery, which will ultimately reshape her eye so that the fluid will drain properly going forward.

My mother has always been loving and supportive of those around her. It saddens me, our family, and friends to see her go through even more medical problems. However, she has always remained strong through all of it, citing her faith in God.

If you are able to donate even just a little bit, that would be wonderful as every bit helps. Please also share this link and spread the word. Thank you all!