Hi, my name is Skaina Pierre. I’m 24 years old and work as a youth mentor in Boston, where I support high school sophomores and juniors in achieving their goals and dreams. I’ve always taken pride in showing up for others guiding young people through life’s challenges, helping them believe in themselves, and being a steady presence in their lives. As much as I encourage my students to advocate for themselves, I find myself in a place where I need to ask for help, something that is not easy for me to do.

In April 2025, I was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a progressive and degenerative eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward like a cone. This condition severely distorts vision and can lead to permanent vision loss without treatment. I have Keratoconus in both eyes, along with an astigmatism. As of my most recent eye exam, I am legally blind in my right eye (20/200 vision) and only slightly better in my left (20/60). This drastic decline in my sight has happened in just a matter of months.

Tasks that used to be simple, like reading, driving, and even recognizing faces, have become incredibly difficult. I constantly squint and strain just to see basic things, and it’s taken a toll on my daily life and my work.

Due to unfortunate timing and system limitations, I do not currently have medical or vision insurance. I became ineligible for MassHealth and missed the open enrollment period after my glasses were suddenly broken in February. Private insurance costs over $400 a month, which is something I simply cannot afford while managing rent, car insurance, utilities, asthma medication, and all other expenses entirely on my own.

The treatments I urgently need include:

Scleral lenses are specialized hard lenses that can significantly improve my vision and comfort but must be paid out of pocket.

Corneal cross-linking surgery is a procedure that can stop the progression of the disease and save my sight. Unfortunately, this won’t be covered by insurance until November or December, and I can’t afford to wait that long.

Every doctor’s appointment, every consultation, and every necessary test also comes with an out-of-pocket cost, which adds up quickly without insurance.

I am doing everything I can to stay strong, leaning on my faith and my support system. But I am scared. I’m frustrated. And I’m heartbroken knowing that something as precious as my vision is slipping away because of financial barriers.

If you are able to donate, share, or simply send love and prayers, please know that I am deeply and genuinely grateful. Every bit of support gets me one step closer to being able to see again to doing the work I love, and to being independent.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this.

With love and gratitude,

Skaina Pierre

Cost Transparency and Breakdown:

$10,000 -Corneal Cross-Linking Surgery at Boston Eye Physicians and Surgeons (Brookline Office)

$2,00 ($1,000/ Per Eye) Scleral Contact Lenses

$2,000 Back-Up Contact Lenses

$3,000 ($750 Per Appt.)

5 Total for Aftercare & Contact Insertion Class

(EYESmile Belmont Office)

3,000 GoFundMe: Medical Aftercare & Essential Supplies Support

This portion of the fundraiser will help cover essential medical expenses not included in the cost of my procedure. These include items such as medical-grade saline (used multiple times daily for inserting and removing my scleral lenses), prescription eye drops for allergies and post-surgery care, and other supplies necessary for daily eye maintenance.

Additionally, these funds will help offset income lost during my recovery period, as I will need to take time off from work following surgery. Your support will provide not only physical relief but also peace of mind during this important healing process.