Eye Surgery

Hello, my name is Deborah,

I'm reaching out to share my story and ask for your support in funding an eye surgery that could change my life.

A Little Background:

I was born with myopia, a rapidly progressing condition that has impacted my vision from an early age. When I was just 6 months old, my mom noticed something was wrong with my sight. Doctors assured her it was nothing to worry about and that I would likely outgrow it. But by the time I was 1, my mom insisted on further testing, and it was then that doctors discovered my vision was already a -10. Unfortunately, they told her there was nothing they could do.

As the years went by, my vision continued to deteriorate. Childhood was challenging. I wore glasses so thick that they made my eyes appear tiny, and combined with other challenges, I became the target of bullying. From elementary school to high school, I was constantly rejected, mistreated, and humiliated. Even as an adult living far from Puerto Rico, I still find myself hiding my struggles.

Doctors once told my mom that by my mid 30s, I would likely be blind. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the gravity of that diagnosis. By age 11, my prescription had reached -26 to -27. But then, my social studies teacher, Ms. Ojeda, took it upon herself to find a solution. She discovered a pair of doctors, a father and daughter team named the Berrocals, who could perform procedures to slow the progression of my vision loss. With Mrs. Ojeda's help, we raised the funds for the procedures, and thanks to the doctors expertise, my vision was significantly stabilized. I will forever be grateful for their care and for the mercy of God.

The Current Situation:

Over the years, contact lenses have become available that help me see better, but they have never been a perfect solution. While they allow me to see around 20/40 on good days, they are not comfortable or powerful enough to fully correct my vision. Now in my 40s, my vision has continued to worsen, and I am currently at a -30. I struggle with everyday tasks like driving (nighttime driving even worse). for how long I can drive, reading, seeing my computer at work, and watching TV, etc. I really don’t want to lose my independence and it feels that is happening.

A Glimmer of Hope:

For years, I have asked doctors if there is any way to fix my eyes. Until recently, the answer had always been "no." But in 2024, at the age of 40, I finally received some good news. A doctor referred me to a specialist who believed they could help me. After a series of tests, including seeing a retinologist and other procedures to prepare my eyes for surgery, I was cleared for the next steps.

At my latest appointment, the surgeon told me I was ready for surgery, the final step in what I’ve been hoping, praying, and dreaming for all these years. The surgery will cost $15,000 for both eyes, and that’s where I need your help.

How You Can Help:

I’m humbly asking for your support in raising the necessary funds to make this surgery a reality. Whether you can contribute financially or simply keep me in your prayers, I would be deeply grateful. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you, and may God bless you.

With sincere gratitude,

Deborah