Hi, my name is Tammy Baisden, and I’ve been a school bus driver for over fifteen years. I love my job and the kids I drive every day. Seeing them at the bus stop each morning, sleepy or smiling or needing a little encouragement, makes me proud to do what I do.

Recently, I found out I have a genetic eye condition called Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy. It causes the clear part of the eye, the cornea, to fill with fluid and become cloudy. My vision has been getting blurrier, especially in the mornings. My doctor told me that without surgery, I could lose my sight completely.

I need corneal transplant surgery to restore my vision. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs are very high, and I will need time off work to recover. I also recently lost my other job at Freedom Valu Center when the store closed after many years of service there. Losing that extra income has made things even tougher.

Driving a bus means the world to me. It is more than a paycheck. I have watched so many of my kids grow up through the years, from their first nervous ride to high school graduation. I want to keep doing this for as long as I can. At only 60 years old, I know I still have many good, safe years of service left in me.

I am asking for help to cover the cost of my surgery, follow-up care, and living expenses while I recover.

Every bit of support, no matter how small, will make a big difference in helping me save my sight and keep doing the work I love.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story and for caring. I believe kindness comes back around, and I am holding onto hope that with your help, I will be able to see clearly again and get back behind the wheel soon.

With love and gratitude,

Tammy