Help Elizabeth Michels Restore Her Vision

My name is Elizabeth Michels. I am a TV/Film/Voiceover actor by profession, and in need of cataract eye surgery A.S.A.P. on both eyes.

In 2010, we were living in Las Vegas, and I had been diagnosed with Stage II, B-Cell, Indolent Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was given massive amounts of chemotherapy drugs to control the cancer, including Prednisone, a corticosteroid. When I was found to be in 'Stable Remission,' I thought I was okay... after more than 4 years of chemotherapy.

In 2015, I was soon told by an ophthalmologist that I had cataracts in the very early stages. It wasn't considered serious at that time.

In 2022, I wasn't feeling well after a period of time and asked my PCP for a referral to an oncologist. We had moved back to Texas a short time before that and hadn't seen an oncologist since 2018. A PET CT was ordered, and a cancer survivor's worst news was given: 'Your lymphoma has returned.' After 9 years. After the port and 7 months of chemotherapy later, 'Stable Remission.'

In 2025, I met my new PCP, and she asked me about my eyes and how much corticosteroids I took during my chemotherapy. I had noticed over the last few years my eyesight changed, but thought I was just 'at the age I needed trifocals.'

I saw an ophthalmologist here, and it seems that my cataracts are much worse than expected. One cataract is even bleeding behind the lens itself! They want to do the surgery A.S.A.P.

Costs:

@$1200 (each eye - needs to be paid on surgery days)

$150 ($75 x2 for copay)

$1000 ($500 deductible x2 to be paid to the ophthalmologist each day)

(*The remainder of the funds not paid on surgery days will be used for the anesthesiologist fees, which are unknown at this time. They will be billed to my insurance, and I pay the balance due. Estimating @$1000 billed to my insurance.)

I am not working at this time, primarily because it is difficult to read small print (like scripts). If I cannot raise the funds, my understanding is that the cataracts WILL get worse.

I inherited my father's ocean blue eyes. I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. Thank you so much.

Bless you.