Sam Dohrn is my son. If you know either of us you know the severity of health issues he has suffered since birth especially the last two years in both of his eye. Due to a rare genetic recessive gene disorder called KNOBLOCH syndrome Sam has various types of seizures and has had 5 retinal detachment surgeries in the left eye, and one in the right eye. He has had a cataract removed from the left and it currently has a heavy band of tissue over the cornea which will need to be removed as well, and because of the thinness and extreme wear of the left retina from multiple surgeries, this is very risky, and is not a guarantee to help restore any vision. He currently sees only shadows of light in his left eye.

His right eye has low vision also, yet he is maintaining an acuity of 20/150. (Which is legally blind). This eye, has a condition known as retinoschisis along with the high risk and probability of another retinal detachment, and he has also developed a cataract that will also have to be removed. The one “good” eye we thought we had, has taken a critical turn and Sam’s doctors along with his family fear losing this eye also. Both eyes are extremely delicate and the future is unknown with the critical condition of them. We have been told to prepare for the worst, and as a result Sam has been working with the department of the blind and learning to walk and navigate with a cane, and he has also been learning various forms of technology that will aid with his low vision/ possible blindness.

I recently reached out to a doctor named Dr. Tsang who specializes in retinal ophthalmology and applied genetic disorders such as Sam’s Knobloch Syndrome. Dr. Tsang has agreed to see Sam, and has even sent a couple emails regarding possibility of treatment with stem cells to replace his damaged retinal cells from the syndrome and detachments. This is NOT a guarantee, but with the options Roxy and Sam are looking to any one and any businesses that can help prevent Sam’s blindness. The window of time with the damaged eyes is crucial as of this moment.

We have an appointment for Sam to be seen in New York City at the Harkness Eye Institute on FRIDAY FEBRURARY 25th. This leaves little time to make arrangement and prepare for the financial load this will cause. We are in need of donations to cover cost of hotel, travel, and the expense of the appointment consultation and all testing required. Please help with whatever you can as saving/maintaining Sam’s remaining vision is the absolute top priority for us!!!!