My name is Rileigh, and I’m 25 years old. I’m a wife to my amazing husband, Taylor, and a mom to four beautiful children: Tray (4), Amelia (3), Theodore (1), and Meredith (8 months). When I was 16, I was diagnosed with optic nerve atrophy — a disease that slowly takes your vision with the possibility of complete blindness. I always thought that maybe by the time I was 40, things might become more difficult. But at just 23 years old, my driver’s license was taken away due to my vision loss. Since then, I’ve been unable to leave my home unless someone drives me. I can’t work outside the home, run errands, get groceries, or even grab a simple coffee with a friend. I’m so grateful for my husband and my mother-in-law, who help me get where I need to be, but I miss my independence. I long to be able to take my kids to the park, do everyday tasks, or simply step out of the house on my own.

For years, I was told nothing could be done — that there was no cure or treatment. But after a lot of prayer and research, I found a clinic in Berlin, Germany, that offers treatment for optic nerve atrophy. After completing genetic testing, their doctors confirmed that I am a candidate. While it isn’t guaranteed, the treatment has shown amazing results in other patients, and with the Lord’s help, I’m hopeful it could make a life-changing difference for me.

Our goal is 30,000 this will be enough to cover the treatment, flights, hotel, food, and our regular bills during the two-week treatment period when neither of us will be able to work. Any donation means the world to us. Even if you can’t give financially, your prayers are appreciated even more. 1 Peter 5:7 — ‘Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.’

Donations also can be made on CashApp if preferred by phone number [phone redacted] or my cashtag $RileighPatterson3 in the app