As many of you are aware, Shelley has been progressively losing her vision since last fall. Her doctors have been working to try and prevent further vision loss while also trying to diagnose her. After many hospital visits, numerous procedures, tests, high dosage of IV steroids and plasmapheresis, Shelley’s vision continues to decline. The doctors were treating her for ischemic optic neuropathy (arteritic) during her last hospital stay. However, the arteritic form was ruled out (7/12) due to Shelley being non-responsive to treatment. Her neuro ophthalmologist now feels that she has the non-arteritic form of ischemic optic neuropathy. There is not a cure for this form of the disease. Her doctors advised her to apply for disability and indicated that her vision would continue to decline eventually leaving her blind. In a last ditch effort for more answers and possibly another doctor that could save her remaining eye sight Shelley went to Duke hospital this past Wednesday (7/13). The doctors at Duke ran all their own tests and have been reviewing her case as she is considered a "special case". Shelley was sent home (7/14) with a virtual appointment to meet with the Duke neuro ophthalmologist Friday (7/15). During this virtual visit the doctor explained that she conferred with multiple colleagues and they all agreed that she does in fact have non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). They believe Shelley developed this from a combination of (2) major risk factors: One being from an anesthetic hysterectomy August 2021 due to precancerous cells forming, and the second being that she developed COVID-19 within a week of this surgery. Her prognosis is a 30% chance that her vision could further deteriorate, 30% chance it could slightly improve and 30% chance it will stay the same. As of right now Shelley has lost 100% of her vision in her right eye and only has about 10% remaining in her left eye. On top of the mounting medical bills, Shelley can no longer work or drive, causing a financial strain on the household. There will need to be updates to the house along with new implements to accommodate her everyday life being visually impaired. This is not the outcome we wanted but we know God is in control and has a plan for her. If you are unable to donate please continue to pray and reach out to Shelley with words of encouragement. Also if you have any knowledge or experience on anything helpful for the visually impaired we would love to hear it. Thank you all so much. Shelley is definitely her father’s child…..hard headed and stubborn and she will prevail!!!!