Hi, my name is Jes.

I’m raising funds to help cover the cost of cataract surgery in both of my eyes. This isn’t just a medical issue for me, it directly impacts my ability to work, create, and live the life I’ve built and am trying to continue building.

My entire career has been in creative industries, especially photography and video. I rely on my vision not just for income, but for how I experience and understand the world. Over time, my eyesight has deteriorated to the point where everyday tasks, creative work, and even basic independence have become increasingly difficult. If you know me, you know I’m a pretty fiercely independent person so this has been especially difficult on me. I was told that in three to four months my I’ll be almost totally blind without the ability to even drive myself anywhere. Watching my vision fade has been frightening, frustrating, and emotionally overwhelming.

I’ve been diagnosed with posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC), a type of cataract that forms at the back of the lens, smack dab in the center of the eye. PSC cataracts tend to progress more quickly than other types and are especially disruptive to reading, screen work, and seeing clearly in bright light. These are all all things that are essential to my day to day life and ability to even read much less find consistent work.

Cataract surgery offers the chance to restore clarity and stability, but the cost is more than I can manage on my own. Each eye costs approximately $5,000, and that doesn’t include the required follow-up appointments, post-operative care, medications, and related medical expenses.

Funds raised will help cover:

• Cataract surgery for both eyes (approximately $5,000 per eye)

• Pre- and post-operative appointments

• Follow-up visits and monitoring

• Medications and recovery-related costs

In total, this fundraiser is to help make an essential medical procedure possible and one that protects not only my health, but my livelihood and creative future.

Asking for help like this isn’t easy, but this is something that I feel will have a huge domino effect of positivity in my life. I’ll be able to see my future wife on our wedding day this summer, walk my sweetheart of a dog with confidence, see the cool birds people point out. Most importantly, I’ll be able to regain my independence to drive and work so that I can support myself and my future family. Any donation, no matter the size, or even just sharing this page, makes a real difference.

Thank you for supporting my health, my work, and my ability to continue seeing and creating clearly.

With gratitude,

Jes