This guy is my younger brother, Travis, with his beautiful girlfriend, Alyssa. He's a hilarious jokester, sports fanatic (Go Packers!) and coach, and teacher who was born deaf and is now rapidly losing his vision due to Optic Nerve Atrophy. Together, we can help slow the progression and create a better future for him.
Over the last five years, I've watched my brother begin to struggle more and more with his eyesight. It started off with having a hard time driving in the dark to now having trouble seeing the ball when he coaches middle school girls basketball or seeing the players trying to communicate with him in American Sign Language. In daily conversations, he's asking us more often to repeat what we're saying.
If there's one thing to know about my brother, it's that he's stubborn as hell (lol) and always one to help and put others first. So when he shared that he was worried about his vision and asked my partner Cory (a Naturopathic Physician) and me for help about 6 months ago, we knew it had to be serious.
He tried the route of traditional Ophthalmologists (eye doctors). They gave him very little hope and answers over the years. He felt discouraged and like there was nothing he could do.
With determination, we took matters into our own hands and got genetic testing done to find he has a genetic mutation for early onset vision loss. Our dad has a similar condition, however, he wasn't affected until later in life and his progression has been very slow.
Our search began for a clinic that offers stem cell procedures for the eyes, which is the only treatment that would provide any solution for Optic Nerve Atrophy. It's challenging to find a doctor who does this procedure, since it's a newer treatment and higher risk to inject stem cells into/near the eyes than other areas of the body.
After an extensive search, we found THE most incredible team of doctors at ProgenCell in Mexico. They're seriously angels.
Once they looked at Travis' records and the progression of the atrophy, the doctors said we need to do something and fast.
Normally they see patients in their 70's or 80's with this level of degeneration. Travis is 27.
Given the pace of his decline and his age, he will be moving forward with the doctors' recommendation of 3 stem cell operations right away, starting this March. He will need to do one every 6 months over the next year and a half, and each one will take 4 days.
He's nervous. We're all nervous. At the same time, we're deeply hopeful. Especially being deaf, losing his eyesight completely would be devastating, so we know it's worth it.
He has big dreams of traveling and literally *seeing* the entire world. He is a leader in the deaf community, especially at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf. He has been a role model for many deaf children to excel in school, go off to college, play sports, and be proud to be deaf and know they can do anything. He wants to further his career by pursuing Physical Education and help more children stay active and play sports. He does not want to and will not let his condition hold him back from his goals.
Help us fund his 3 stem cell procedures, which start this March 29-April 2. Unfortunately, these are not covered by health insurance.
Your donation will support Travis with three 4-day stem cell operations + post-operation therapy as well as additional trip expenses such as flights.
Your donation and support matters.
Together, we can make a big difference for my brother Travis. My family and I are so grateful for every person who contributes and lends their support <3
Every dollar you give will directly help Travis receive the treatments that he needs and to *see* a brighter future.
Thank you from Travis, the Waala family, Alyssa, and Cory!
For a message directly from Travis, please watch this video.
With massive gratitude and love,
Jessica Waala
P.S. We'll be giving updates while we're at the clinic at the end of March/early April as well as throughout the rest of the journey.
Over the last five years, I've watched my brother begin to struggle more and more with his eyesight. It started off with having a hard time driving in the dark to now having trouble seeing the ball when he coaches middle school girls basketball or seeing the players trying to communicate with him in American Sign Language. In daily conversations, he's asking us more often to repeat what we're saying.
If there's one thing to know about my brother, it's that he's stubborn as hell (lol) and always one to help and put others first. So when he shared that he was worried about his vision and asked my partner Cory (a Naturopathic Physician) and me for help about 6 months ago, we knew it had to be serious.
He tried the route of traditional Ophthalmologists (eye doctors). They gave him very little hope and answers over the years. He felt discouraged and like there was nothing he could do.
With determination, we took matters into our own hands and got genetic testing done to find he has a genetic mutation for early onset vision loss. Our dad has a similar condition, however, he wasn't affected until later in life and his progression has been very slow.
Our search began for a clinic that offers stem cell procedures for the eyes, which is the only treatment that would provide any solution for Optic Nerve Atrophy. It's challenging to find a doctor who does this procedure, since it's a newer treatment and higher risk to inject stem cells into/near the eyes than other areas of the body.
After an extensive search, we found THE most incredible team of doctors at ProgenCell in Mexico. They're seriously angels.
Once they looked at Travis' records and the progression of the atrophy, the doctors said we need to do something and fast.
Normally they see patients in their 70's or 80's with this level of degeneration. Travis is 27.
Given the pace of his decline and his age, he will be moving forward with the doctors' recommendation of 3 stem cell operations right away, starting this March. He will need to do one every 6 months over the next year and a half, and each one will take 4 days.
He's nervous. We're all nervous. At the same time, we're deeply hopeful. Especially being deaf, losing his eyesight completely would be devastating, so we know it's worth it.
He has big dreams of traveling and literally *seeing* the entire world. He is a leader in the deaf community, especially at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf. He has been a role model for many deaf children to excel in school, go off to college, play sports, and be proud to be deaf and know they can do anything. He wants to further his career by pursuing Physical Education and help more children stay active and play sports. He does not want to and will not let his condition hold him back from his goals.
Help us fund his 3 stem cell procedures, which start this March 29-April 2. Unfortunately, these are not covered by health insurance.
Your donation will support Travis with three 4-day stem cell operations + post-operation therapy as well as additional trip expenses such as flights.
Your donation and support matters.
Together, we can make a big difference for my brother Travis. My family and I are so grateful for every person who contributes and lends their support <3
Every dollar you give will directly help Travis receive the treatments that he needs and to *see* a brighter future.
Thank you from Travis, the Waala family, Alyssa, and Cory!
For a message directly from Travis, please watch this video.
With massive gratitude and love,
Jessica Waala
P.S. We'll be giving updates while we're at the clinic at the end of March/early April as well as throughout the rest of the journey.
Organizer and beneficiary
Travis Waala
Beneficiary