Supporting Cerissa Through Multiple Retina & Eye Operations

Hi everyone,

I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend and fellow designer, Cerissa LaToi—a talented interior designer, small business owner, wife, and woman of deep faith. For the past several months, Cerissa has been undergoing a series of intense, vision-saving eye surgeries. Despite this incredibly trying time, she and her husband, Michael, have remained remarkably strong in their faith and persevered. However, the physical, emotional, and financial burden is undeniably taking its toll. That is why I'm starting this campaign: to help lighten her load and enable the community to rally around her with much-needed support.

Upcoming Surgery:

As Cerissa prepares for at least two more vital eye surgeries, starting with one this Friday, May 30th, your generosity can lift an immense weight from her shoulders and allow Cerissa and Michael to concentrate fully on her recovery.

Financial needs Summary: more detail below

Medical Expense (not covered by insurance): $6000

Estimated Income Loss: 9+ weeks off work $7,900-11,250

TOTAL (estimated cost): $17,250

Timeline of Surgeries, Procedures, & Costs:

 

What began as a hopeful step toward healing quickly turned into a series of unexpected and urgent complications.

 

At the beginning of the year, Cerissa had cataract surgery on her right eye—one of the final steps in a long journey toward restoring her sight after a retinal detachment four years ago. It was a moment of victory. And in many ways, it still is. Even in the midst of this trial, she has said, “If I hadn’t had that surgery when I did, I would likely be blind in both eyes right now.”

 

But what was supposed to mark a joyful turning point became the start of a new, more difficult season—especially with her left eye, where complications escalated quickly.

 

Surgeries Cerissa has endured to date:

January 14, 2025: Cataract surgery on the right eye (following retinal detachment in 2021)

Out-of-pocket: $3,000

April 3, 2025:

Emergency retina surgery on the left eye - Retina reattached, gas bubble inserted, and a scleral buckle implanted to reduce retinal tension.

Out-of-pocket estimate: $1,300

April 7–9, 2025: Complications from the gas bubble - It migrated to the front chamber of the eye, dangerously raising internal pressure.

Multiple emergency doctor visits and co-pays in one day

Approximate cost: $300

April 10, 2025: Second emergency surgery on the left eye - Gas bubble removed to relieve pressure

Estimated cost: $1,500

May 20, 2025: Cataract surgery on the left eye - Intended to restore vision, but the lens implant shifted and fell to the back of the eye due to weakened fibers

May 30, 2025: Upcoming 3rd surgery on the left eye - The specialist will retrieve and properly install the lens and reassess the retina.

Follow visits, prescriptions, & additional costs unknown

Summer/Fall 2025 (TBD): Additional outpatient surgery on the right eye. To remove scar tissue and complete the healing process for that eye

Follow visits, prescriptions, & additional costs unknown

 

What Your Help Means to Cerissa:

 

Cerissa’s work as a designer depends on her ability to see clearly and create beauty through vision, color, texture, and form. These surgeries are not optional—they are essential for her to continue working, living fully, and walking in her calling.

 

The financial weight of these back-to-back surgeries—combined with specialist visits, co-pays, post-op care, and time away from full-time work—has become overwhelming for her and her husband.

 

 

How You Can Support Cerissa:

 

1. Give: Every gift matters—no amount is too small!

 

 

2. Share: Please pass this along to your community, church, or network.

 

 

3. Pray: Cerissa draws strength from her faith and deeply values your prayers and encouragement.

 

  

This journey has stretched her in every way—but she remains hopeful, resilient, and full of grace. Let’s surround her with support, lighten the burden, and help her cross this final stretch toward full healing.

 

With heartfelt thanks,

Cerissa, Michael, Laura Suhr, and her Family & Friends