Twelve months ago, my son went from fully sighted to legally blind in both eyes and has had to create a new way of living. After his first surgery we had hope he would regain vision.  Seven eye surgeries later we are still praying,  believing and trusting God for healing. 

Quinnon's Vision Loss Journey 

 

My son's name is Quinnon and he is 42 years young. A year ago November 2020, he was admitted to the emergency room in Houston, due to complications of diabetes. The high blood pressure and the high glucose levels resulted in him having vision loss; he could not see at all!  At the two week follow up appointment we learned his sight was taken from him due to retinal detachment caused by the Diabetes. He would need vitrectomy surgery ASAP.  With this new diagnosis Quinnon's life was forever changed; no longer could he drive, work and live alone. I had to accept that he could not see even me!  In preparing for what was to lie ahead, my son moved in with me.

December 2020 was his 1st surgery, a vitrectomy to stop the hemorrhaging in his right eye. March 2021 was his 2nd surgery, right eye lens replacement and his 3rd surgery, a vitrectomy to his left eye.  Having doctor appointments almost daily, Quinnon was ultimately terminated from his job after exhausting Family Medical Leave (FMLA) and not being able to return to work. However, the employer did continue to pay his medical insurance premiums for the next six months. We are so forever thankful because Quinnon continued to have more surgeries. June 2021 was his 4th surgery, glaucoma surgery with a shunt to his left eye. Also, he had his 5th surgery, laser surgery to both eyes. In August 2021 Quinnon had his 6th surgery, glaucoma surgery with a shunt to his right eye. September 2021 was his 7th eye surgery, another vitrectomy to the right eye for a reoccurrence of hemorrhaging due to the diabetes. Fast forward to the present, my son can barely see; if see at all! It is the end of October 2021 and his doctors told us at least two more surgeries are necessary-left eye lens replacement and surgery to repair the shunt in his right eye. Quinnon is nowhere near even being fully healed. The doctors yet do not know if his vision will get better.

As we are trying to create a new normal, the employer is no longer paying the medical insurance premiums. This is why we are asking for your support.  It is a struggle to pay the monthly COBRA premium. The medical bills and medications are causing a financial burden. As Quinnon is relearning how to interact with the world as a legally blind person he could benefit from other accessible technology like the WeWalk Smart cane and OrCam Eye, but they are not affordable without financial help.

 

Overall this has been a life changing and  devastating experience. Quinnon tries to stay positive and keep strong in his faith, but it is a challenge at times. He has moments like everyone else! Your financial support and your prayer will ease the burden of stress on him and our family. If you cannot help financially, please say a prayer. Also, we would appreciate if you share his story with your friends and family. 

With a humble heart we thank you in advance for your prayers and your donations that are to come our way to support Quinnon in his journey. Thank you all and God bless you. 

 

NOTE: Quinnon has allowed me to share his journey to reach, to uplift and to encourage others who may be living with diabetes and vision impairment. Special thanks to everyone in advance for helping us reach our goal!!!