Support Bri’s Fight After Cornea Rupture and Eye Parasite

In September 2022, my sister-in-law Bri began a frightening and painful journey when she was diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis—a rare, vision-threatening parasitic infection in her eye caused by showering with contact lenses. After over a month of misdiagnoses, she was finally seen at the University of Iowa Hospitals where the correct diagnosis was made.

The road to recovery was agonizing:

• 6 to 7 months of multiple toxic eye drops

• Extreme pain and light sensitivity

• Complete inability to work or drive

• Weeks of IV antibiotics

• A full cornea transplant in January 2023

By March 2023, Bri had slowly regained her life—returning to work, driving again, and finally seeing light at the end of a very long battle against the parasite.

Flash forward to May 2nd, 2025.

In the early morning hours of May 2, Bri suffered a freak accident in her sleep. Her eye—yes, the very one she had worked so hard to heal—was bumped, rupturing the transplanted cornea. She was rushed to Iowa City for emergency cornea repair surgery. In addition to this major setback, doctors are now concerned that her crystalline lens may also be missing or damaged. This lens is responsible for about one-third of your depth perception and plays a critical role in visual clarity. If the lens cannot be preserved, Bri may need to undergo another surgery. She will have follow-up appointments in Iowa City on Tuesday and Friday to determine the next steps and finalize a game plan for treatment and recovery.

Bri will again be out of work for an extended period. While this recovery may not take as long as the first, it still means weeks without income while facing ongoing medical expenses.

We’re asking for your help. Your donation will go toward:

• Covering Bri’s living expenses while she recovers

• Medical and travel costs related to surgery and follow-up care

• Giving Bri peace of mind during yet another traumatic chapter

Even the smallest act of kindness makes a difference. If you’re not in a position to donate, sharing Bri’s story or simply sending words of encouragement means the world.

Bri has fought through so much—and now, she’s facing another uphill climb. Let’s lift her up with all the strength, hope, and support we can offer.

Thank you for being part of her fight.