Help Merrick’s Vision

During my first year of high school in 2010, I started having problems with my vision. I found myself squinting a lot and it was affecting my reading. I had an eye exam done and found out I had cataracts at age 13. My left eye was the weaker eye of the two and I was told that I needed laser eye surgery immediately for my left eye. I went through the process and successfully had my first eye surgery, and my vision was back to normal. Going into grade 12, I was diagnosed with diabetes and high cholesterol. The news was devastating, and it really affected me mentally; to get over one obstacle, only to be hit with another. I did not understand how this could happen, I was very active and played basketball almost everyday. The doctor informed me that these problems stemmed from having leukemia at age 3 and undergoing the various treatments. I really struggled with controlling my blood-sugar levels at this age. I played basketball and exercised but it was difficult to control my diet and I went through a variety of oral medications. I found myself getting to a very dark place and giving up on my body and I went through a period where I just stopped caring.  

After high school, I started my research on finding ways to diet as a diabetic and I put together my own routine. I finally found a medication that worked, and it helped to bring down my blood sugar levels. After making such progress, I started to notice some problems with my right eye, and I went to have another eye exam. I found out that the cataract in my right eye had gotten a lot worse than 11 years ago and my eyes were showing affects from diabetes, further affecting my vision. I was told the blood vessels in my eyes were bleeding because of my unstable blood sugar levels and I would require immediate laser eye surgery to save my vision. I have been seeing an ophthalmologist for the last month, running tests and they have informed me and my family that they have set a surgery date for February 25th. Unfortunately, this time laser eye surgery is no longer covered under OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and it will cost a total of $2,900 for the entire procedure ($1,200 for the laser eye surgery and another $1,700 for a new lens in my eye to correct my vision). Anything at all helps and I am very appreciative of everyone for their donations and who forwards this link to others. God bless you all.