Support Carlos in his vision recovery journey

Hello, my name is Carlos Cordova Jr. I have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 4, and I've been dealing with the ups and downs that come along with the disease to the best of my abilities. There have been times where I've struggled to manage my A1C but have modified my ways with diet and exercise to help regulate my levels. Unfortunately, diabetes is known as a “silent time bomb.” Diabetes is a disease that can affect other parts of the body and other organs when glucose levels aren't in the best conditions.

On September 17th, I went to my regularly scheduled eye doctor for my annual check-up to make sure everything was okay. After a couple of regular eye exams and photographs taken of my eyes, I had news delivered to me which absolutely crushed me. I was told that I had severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. What is it? In this type of diabetic retinopathy, when areas of the retina can't get oxygen and nourishment, new blood vessels grow. Typically, those new blood vessels are fragile. They may bleed, and they can leak fluid into the center of the eye. Eventually, they may cause the retina to separate from the inside wall of the eye. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if it is not treated.

Even though it is in severe condition, there is treatment available. It requires injections and laser treatments for the following 6 months for both eyes. Unfortunately, my insurance does not fully cover it, so I am responsible for 10% of each visit for treatment. I have to get 2 injections and 2 laser treatments monthly. Sadly, each laser visit alone is $350 and $100 for each visit for injections. That's an additional $900 a month I can't afford with all my other expenses. I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer, or even a share is greatly appreciated. There's still hope that I can treat this diagnosis and not lose my vision. Thank you for your time.

Much love, Carlos ❤️