My name is Starr, I am a single mother to a beautiful little girl named Ariella.

Ariella is only 7 years old, full of life, strong willed, and sweet as can be.

I am reaching out during one of the most challenging times of our life. About a week ago my mother was watching my daughter when she expressed she could not see out of her left eye, naturally my mom was concerned and rushed her to VCU where I met them. The doctors ran many test, after having a lengthy MRI done, they were able to confirm her retina was detached and what they thought at the time was hemorrhaging from the detachment. They discharged us from the hospital later that night, following with an appointment to see their pediatric ophthalmologist two days after. I felt some what relieved that at least it was not a tumor. During our appointment with the ophthalmologist he informed me that they were unable to differentiate if what they saw was hemorrhaging or tissue from a tumor. The doctor explained they were not able to do a biopsy for a diagnosis because of the risk of it getting into her blood stream, they have done all the testing they could offer in Virginia so he is going to consult with his colleagues and basically come up with a collective educated guess. If they all had the same concerns of it being a tumor they want to immediately remove the eye!

When the doctor called the following day he then tells me they actually believe it is coats disease and they still agree removing the eye would be best. I will not remove her eye for diagnostic purposes that is a last ditch effort. Unfortunately my insurance will not be accepted anywhere outside of Virginia. While I’m trying my best to stay positive for my daughter, the traveling, time away from work, medical bills, daily living expenses are already overwhelming me being that I am in no financial situation to afford that. I am humbly asking for your support- any contribution, big or small, will help cover the cost of these things to make sure my babygirl gets the help she needs and deserves. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness and generosity.