For most of his adult life, my dad has lived with the reality that his eyesight may not always be guaranteed.

In his early 20s, my dad lost vision in his right eye due to complications from being born with a cataract, a lens implant as a kid, two cornea transplants, and glaucoma. Since then, his left eye has been his only working eye, though not without ongoing issues. He was born with a cataract in his left eye as well, has had two cornea transplants, a retinal detachment, and one drain inserted to help with the pressure, but he continues to struggle with glaucoma.

On January 5th, we received news that his left eye is struggling to keep its pressure down, and without intervention, there is a very real risk that he could lose vision in his left eye. If that happens, he would be completely blind.

The good news is that there is a solution, but it is urgent.

My dad needs eye surgery in which a second small drain will be placed to relieve the pressure and protect his remaining vision. The surgery must be done soon, and it requires an insurance copayment of $3,500 upfront by February 3rd, for surgery on February 10th. He was only told about the need for this surgery two weeks ago, and the timeline has been overwhelming.

Anyone who knows my dad knows his heart. He is a pastor who genuinely loves people and has spent his life serving others. He is an incredible “Pops” who adores his grandchildren, and he is also raising two young boys, an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old, alongside his wife, whom he married just a year ago. Being present for his family, his church, and his calling means everything to him.

Blindness has always been something on his radar, but that doesn’t make this any less scary. We are believing God is making a way, and sometimes that way comes through community.

Six years ago, when my mom was sick, our family had to lean on others in a similar way, which makes this especially hard for my dad. Asking for help does not come naturally to him. But right now, the stakes are too high to not ask for help as a way of preserving his sight.

We are choosing to trust God fully in this season, believing He is already at work, sometimes through doctors, sometimes through miracles, and often through the kindness of people who choose to step in and help.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5–6

If you feel led to give, every dollar truly helps. If you’re unable to give, sharing this and praying for my dad means just as much. We are deeply grateful for every person who comes alongside us during this time.

Thank you for loving my dad, for supporting our family, and for helping us protect something so precious, his ability to see.