As scary as it is to ask for help sometimes, I know this is a moment where we must. Our son, Layne, age 14, is in desperate need of emergency surgery to help save his vision. These last few months have been a whirlwind. We now know what Layne needs and we would get on a plane tomorrow if we could, but right now, we cannot afford to do so. We’ve seen the power of crowdfunding but could never have imagined ourselves in a situation where we needed that kind of help. But here we are. So, to our friends, family and possibly even strangers reading this, would you please help us help our son?

Below is a small snapshot of how we got here and what we’re facing:

In June of this year, Layne went to his routine eye exam. We were shocked to learn that Layne is unable to see anything out of his left eye. At that appointment, Layne was diagnosed with a progressive eye disease called Keratoconus. This condition causes the cornea to bulge which results in distorted vision, thinning of the cornea, scarring, and in severe cases blindness. At the moment Layne was diagnosed, we learned the condition in his left eye is considered severe, meaning his cornea is very thin with some scarring and his vision is deteriorating quickly. Currently, Layne can only see some outlines of things but can’t make out any details. When diagnosed with Keratoconus as a young teen, it means two things, the progression moves fast and it can quickly spread to his right eye, meaning Layne is currently left with limited treatment options.

Immediately following his diagnosis, we began seeing a specialist in Orlando who ran a bunch of tests and determined that his case was too advanced and it would be in our best interest to go to Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the number one eye institute in the country. The doctor we saw was amazing and very honest, but unfortunately, due to Layne’s condition, there was nothing they could do for him at this institute. On top of that, we learned there are no medical procedures in the entire country that can help him. Because of his thin cornea and due to different drugs, equipment, and FDA approvals, it’s unsafe to perform any procedures on him in the United States. Layne’s doctor in Miami then presented us with one option. He recommended a doctor in Switzerland at the Elza Institute in Zurich, who offers several procedures to help with the progression of Keratoconus. At that moment, we knew this would be our only option to restore some of Layne's vision.

Traveling to Switzerland for this surgical procedure is more than we can afford but right now, knowing this is our child’s only option, we will do whatever it takes! It’s so hard to even ask for support like this, but we know there is no other way. For a two week stay in Zurich, Switzerland that includes pre-op appointments, the emergency surgery, post-op appointments, and travel and accommodations for our family of four, we are facing the following estimated costs:

Specialized Eye Surgery/Procedure at Elza Institute in Zurich: $20,000

Four International Flights + Expedited Passports: $10,000

Hotel/Lodging Accommodations: $5,000

Transportation During Stay $1,200

Food for Four $4,000

Miscellaneous (medications etc) $5,000

It is our goal to go in October as we do not want his vision deteriorating any further so we’re hopeful to raise these funds as quickly as we can.

Layne is in 9th grade counting down to his 15th birthday in December. We’d love nothing more than for him to get his learner’s permit like other kids his age. He has huge dreams of going to college for something science related, possibly pharmacy school! Our son is incredibly smart, funny, kind hearted, and loving. We ask for your support and your prayers. Please share this page with your loved ones and on social media. And if you’re able to give, no matter the amount, we will never be able to truly express our gratitude. Thank you for helping our family and thank you for changing Layne’s life forever!