Help Jamey Conner With Medical Expenses After Vision Loss

In June, my brother Jamey Conner was shopping with his wife when, out of nowhere, he went completely blind in his left eye. Doctors couldn’t find a cause at first, and his vision briefly returned, only for him to go blind again days later, this time in both eyes.

This began a terrifying and exhausting cycle of hospital visits, tests, and uncertainty.

Jamey has been in and out of the hospital multiple times between LewisGale in Blacksburg and Wake Forest Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Doctors ruled out stroke, brain tumors, and blood clots, but found his optic nerves were severely swollen. They attempted multiple spinal taps to relieve possible pressure from fluid around his brain, but were unsuccessful. High doses of steroids helped temporarily restore his vision, but the treatment caused dangerous spikes in his blood sugar, requiring insulin at every meal.

After weeks of back and forth visits to the ER, the hospital, and doctors, he has been left with unanswered questions, Jamey is now home. His right eye has improved, but his left is still blurry and light-sensitive. He’s on a long course of steroids and insulin and has a full schedule of follow up visits with neurologists and now cardiologists, as he recently began experiencing heart complications requiring him to wear a heart monitor.

To make matters worse, his initial visits at LewisGale were classified as “observational,” so his insurance isn’t covering those hospital costs. Meanwhile, his wife has used up all of her paid time off just trying to care for him. Often working third shift in Martinsville, then driving to Blacksburg or Winston Salem daily to be with him.

They’ve been hit hard physically, emotionally, and financially. Gas costs, uncovered medical bills, ongoing treatment, and missed work are all piling up while they still don’t have clear answers.

How You Can Help:

We’re asking for support from friends, family, and anyone moved by their story. Every dollar will go toward:

Uncovered medical bills

Ongoing specialist appointments and tests

Travel expenses

Medication and treatment needs

Jamey has always been the type of person who doesn’t like to ask for help, but right now, he truly needs it. If you’re able to donate, any amount helps, our family would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

God bless you all.