My name is Kierra, and I’m fundraising for my stepfather, McKinley Watson Jr. He has been the heart and foundation of our family since I was just 3 years old.

McKinley is currently suffering from total blindness caused by retinal detachment in both eyes.

He’s already undergone multiple surgeries on his right eye trying to save what little vision he had. He lived with blindness in his left eye for years and continued working full-time using only his right eye, until it too gave out. He worked like that for over 16 years.

He is now completely blind, but he still gets up and tries to help in any way he can. Since losing his sight, he’s continued to do simple mechanical tasks like changing oil, giving advice on repairs, and staying involved with what he loves most: fixing things.

The last repair he did on my car before going completely blind was changing my brakes. I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d watch him work like that. That moment stays with me.

McKinley is 45 years old and based in Brandon, Mississippi. He is a self-taught lawn and landscape expert, tree cutter, and gifted mechanic.

He’s the kind of man who could fix a broken-down car with his eyes closed. And now that’s literally what he’s having to do.

He’s not the only father I’ve known, but he has been a major father figure in my life since I was three years old. He stepped up in ways many wouldn’t. He helped raise me and my sisters, supported my mother through every storm, and showed up for birthdays, holidays, and everyday life like we were his own.

McKinley has a heart of gold.

He would help anybody. Literally anybody. Even if it meant throwing his back out. He has gone out of his way for people time and time again without asking for anything in return.

And now, the one person who never asked for help is the one who needs it the most.

It hurts to see someone this good lose the one thing he needs to function — his sight.

Not being able to work has completely halted his life. He doesn’t want fame, handouts, or pity. He just wants to go back to work. That’s all he’s ever wanted.

Right now, his only income is limited Social Security benefits. And to be honest, he hates it. He’s not the type to sit still or rely on a check. He wants to earn his living with his own hands like he always has.

While he fights to get his vision back, my mom has had to take a lot of time off work to drive him to appointments, surgeries, and follow-ups. She is doing everything she can to support him while trying to hold our family together. We have no support. This is our last hope.

He has been traveling to specialists in Boston, South Carolina, Alabama, and now we’re trying to get him to California for a rare, life-changing artificial retina surgery that could potentially restore his sight.

The cost of this journey is overwhelming.

• Specialist evaluations

• Pre-op testing

• Travel and lodging for multiple visits

• The artificial retina procedure

• Post-op care and recovery

We’re setting our goal at $100,000 to fully cover his treatment and give him the best chance at seeing again.

Until recently, we were receiving discounted flights, lodging, and transportation through support programs. But those programs have ended. His treatment now depends on us.

McKinley’s dream is simple.

“I just want to be able to see and work again. That’s all I know how to do.”

This man has never stopped helping others. Even blind, he helped my friend after their car was wrecked. He guided us through what needed to be done and offered solutions like he always does. He has worked in the sun from 6 AM to 8 PM for decades without ever complaining or asking for help.

I’m organizing this because he’s out of options. And because he deserves so much more than the cards he’s been dealt.

Even if you can’t donate, you can still help:

• Follow my mom on TikTok: @SierraButler85

• Watch and share her videos to help us raise awareness

• Share this campaign with anyone it might reach

• And most of all, please say a prayer for us. We know times are hard for everyone, and even your prayers mean the world to us.

Every dollar brings us closer to giving him the chance to see again.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for giving.

— Kierra and our family