Hi everyone, I am trying to raise money for my sister, Melissa.

Melissa was born with a rare eye disorder called Aniridia, which has caused her to be legally blind. Aniridia has caused other eye complications, including cataracts and glaucoma. After eight surgeries to try to control the glaucoma in her right eye, Melissa lost all vision in her right eye, leaving her with some functional vision in her left eye only. Unfortunately, Melissa's left eye has progressively been losing vision over the last 2 years due to her cataract growing. She has been connected with a doctor at the Cincinnati Eye Institute who is very familiar with Aniridia patients and the complications that come along with that disorder. He has recommended that the cataract be removed in the left eye, along with getting the implantation of an artificial iris (as people with Aniridia are born without an iris, which gives them so much extra light and glare). With the combination of the cataract being removed and this artificial iris being implanted in her left eye, this should improve her vision to be better than it ever has been in the past!

Unfortunately, insurance will not cover any of the cost of surgery. Leaving her and her husband to pay out of pocket to have the surgery, plus the travel out of state, hotels, and time away from Melissa's job. This is an unexpected financial expense, and anything donated would help to be able to smooth the transition of getting surgery for her. She is a mom of three little ones, and I know her being able to see would mean the world to me and for my family.