Restore Kendra's Vision: From Darkness to Light

Dear Friends, Family, and Generous Hearts,

Today, we are reaching out on behalf of our beloved Kendra—a devoted mother, entrepreneur, and woman whose spirit has weathered more storms than most. Kendra has always been a vibrant soul, well-known for cooking up a storm for her friends, family, and visitors. However, from an early age, Kendra battled an unseen foe, and in 2005, she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Despite these challenges, Kendra has remained a pillar of strength for her two teenage boys and is the proud owner of a catering business in Punta Gorda Town in southern Belize. Unfortunately, a silent adversary has recently cast a shadow over her life.

The year 2023 brought an unexpected turn. In September, after recovering from a previous ailment that resulted in her hospitalization for almost a month, Kendra began losing her sight. By November, her vision was almost completely gone. A visit to BCVI (Belize Council for the Visually Impaired) revealed the harsh truth: serious eye conditions caused by diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment affecting both eyes.

This diagnosis painted a daunting picture, and the only glimmer of hope lies in a surgery that is not available in Belize. Local medical resources could not provide the necessary intervention, and her only option was to seek treatment abroad. Thus, her family and friends assisted her, and she received a more comprehensive medical assessment on Tuesday, December 19, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kittner Eye Center. The diagnosis is that Kendra needs immediate surgery in both eyes if there is any hope of restoring her vision.

The financial burden of the surgery and associated costs has created an additional layer of stress for Kendra and her family. The Good Faith Estimate for the required surgery is $27,767 for each eye. We aim to raise $55,000 to cover the surgery on Kendra's eyes. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will significantly impact Kendra's journey from darkness to light.

Today, we turn to you, our community, friends, and family with a humble request. With every passing day, Kendra's world plunges into darkness. Kendra needs our collective support to undergo the surgery that could restore her vision, bringing back the colors, faces, and joys that diabetes has tried to steal.

How You Can Help:

Donate: Every dollar brings Kendra closer to seeing the world again.

Spread the Word: Share this campaign on social media with friends and family.

Pray and Support: Your thoughts, prayers, and positive energy mean the world to Kendra and her family.

Kendra has faced every obstacle with grace and resilience but cannot undergo this battle alone. Your kindness and generosity will help restore her vision and reignite her hope and zest for life. Let us help Kendra see a brighter, clearer tomorrow so she can continue to be the devoted mother and passionate caterer she has always been.

Thank you for being a beacon of light in Kendra's journey. Together, let us help her overcome one of the most challenging periods and bring a brighter, clearer tomorrow.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Akira Genus Hewlett and Karl Castillo