Hope & Vision for Thomas Cuillo

On October 2nd, 2018 Thomas, an 18 year old boy, was involved in a tragic accident and sustained a ruptured open globe injury that has now left him completely blind. His right eye has been lost (enucleated) and his left eye has optic nerve damage, detached retina and corneal damage. Thomas also has major damage to his right hand, causing loss of bone and  hand function.Thomas spent 8 days in Stony Brook Hospital, at which time he had endured several surgeries that included immediate emergency surgery throughout the night with hopes to save his left eye, unfortunately did not end with positive results. The following day he had hand surgery, pins were placed in hopes to obtain mobility eventually. The next day was the enucleation of his right eye. After his discharge from Stony Brook hospital, he was rushed to New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, in Manhattan for total reconstructive surgery with the hopes of saving some of his vision . After 8 1/2 hours of surgery, they were able to reattach his  retina to their best possible ability. There were several holes in his retina. Thomas had a donor corneal transplant as well. Unfortunately the optic nerve was damaged, as was the retina, so we can only pray at this point that he regains some eye sight. He is in the  baby stages of his recovery, and only time will tell as to what degree of vision will be regained.Thomas will need several more surgeries at some point. This is only the beginning of a long, hard road ahead for Thomas. At 18 years old, trying to adapt and adjust to the unimaginable realization of a new way of life. This process will require much needed out of pocket expenses, rehabilitation, personal care assistants /escorts, medications, specialists for needed future surgeries, educational  institutions, training/support, sight tools, goods and services to assist and adapt for his best quality of life. In addition, there are other possible options to assist in regaining his vision somewhat, such as e sight glasses, Fedorov restoration therapy(ACS-alternating current stimulation) retinal implant (bionic eye), and stem cell therapy. Unfortunately during this process health insurance only covers some expenses and the rest is left for his family to figure out for themselves. Some state services had been applied for from the New York State Commission for the blind for basic skills which again takes time for approval. Once again, Thomas needs so much more to learn and adapt to his very challenging new way of life. Thomas's mother has left her employment to care for him on a 24 hours basis, which caused a financial hardship. His family and the people close to him have been supportive, loving and are all heartbroken. We need to continue to expedite his progression of recovery daily and we need your support as well, please help us help Thomas. We cant do it alone and we truly appreciate the love, support and help.Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please say a prayer for our Thomas.