Hi, my name is Samantha — though many of you know me as Sammy or Sammy Soca.

I wouldn’t be reaching out if I didn’t truly need help. This has been one of the most difficult chapters of my life.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of glaucoma. It quickly claimed the vision in my left eye, leaving me reliant on my right. I received care at the Jewish General Hospital until January 2025, and when further treatment wasn’t possible there, I was transferred to the McGill University Health Center for surgery.

Over the years, I’ve undergone four laser surgeries at the Jewish General and three more at McGill. Two of those were trabeculectomies — complex procedures that unfortunately failed to reduce the ocular pressure causing my glaucoma. With my right eye being my only source of vision, doctors recommended a drainage implant surgery to help preserve it.

On September 25th, 2025, I underwent that surgery. Devastatingly, it led to severe complications, and I lost all vision in my right eye.

I am now completely blind.

This has been incredibly hard — not just for me, but for my family. My mother is now my full-time caregiver. The medications leave me weak, and I need assistance with basic daily tasks like bathing and using the bathroom.

I’m launching this GoFoundMe to raise funds for treatment at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami — one of the world’s leading eye care centers. I’m holding onto hope that they might offer a solution, maybe even one that doesn’t involve more painful surgeries.

The funds will help cover travel, consultations, procedures, and the many expenses that come with seeking medical care abroad. While I do have some savings, they’re quickly being depleted by out-of-pocket costs — including frequent hospital visits (often by Uber), and ten different medications that change regularly. As a self-employed person without group insurance, I’m covering all of this myself.

Any donation — big or small — and your prayers mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support,

Samantha