Help me see and save my corneas

Hi, my name is José María, I'm 27 years old and I'm Venezuelan. I live in a country a hit an economic and political crisis. I am an engineer and a developer and I really like the subject of artificial intelligence. Every day someone asks me why I have not left my country. But the problem is that I love this land, this is my home and I think I have a duty in it. I also believe that the best way to solve the crisis that we are facing is to stay here and work hard. And someday things will change and I hope to be here to see the final chapter.

Speaking of seeing, I currently suffer from an illness in both of my eyes that does not let me see as I or anyone else would. I have keratoconus in both eyes and that has made it difficult for me to work in the last few weeks because my illness has progressed a lot and I need a corneal transplant in both eyes. The doctor says that the disease has already advanced too much, and it is time for a surgery.

I have collected enough money to pay for the surgery, the lenses, the taxes, etc. But I cannot afford to pay the cost of two corneas for the transplant. In my country there are no organs bank, and the legislation has made it impossible for the clinics to bring the corneas by themselves. I must do the whole process myself and buy them from a bank of eyes in the USA, pay for the cost of preservation, transportation, and customs (with taxes and all) the cost of each would be USD 1.150. In my country the currency is so devaluated that it represents years of savings without speding not even a cent just to pay for one cornea.

I have dedicated much of my life to teaching and helping others, I was a missionary in my country for two years and I know that there are people willing to give a hand to help others.

I hope this message reaches you so you can help me see (literally).

With all my heart, thank you