Support Leelan's Fight for Vision

On the evening of January 1st, my grandson Leelan was out with friends, enjoying what should have been a carefree and fun night, when he was struck in the eye by a stray shot from a roman candle. After a battery of tests and exams at Memorial Hermann’s trauma center, we were devastated to learn that his injuries were far more severe than we could have imagined.

I remember getting the call and the overwhelming helplessness that washed over me. As a grandmother, all you want to do is protect your loved ones, but in that moment, all I could do was hope and pray. The heartbreak in their voices when they called to update me is something I’ll never forget. It felt like everything was unraveling.

The doctors warned the family that there could be permanent vision loss, and that emergency surgery was necessary to try and save his eye. Since that night, Leelan has been through two emergency hospital admissions and has already undergone six surgeries, with more likely in the future. Each surgery has been followed by countless doctor visits as the medical team works tirelessly to ensure his recovery.

As a family, we’ve all been deeply affected by this, but I know that no one feels it more intensely than Leelan and his parents. I see the stress they’re under, the uncertainty of what each week will bring, and it breaks my heart. They have an amazing support network among their friends, and I’ve tried to help in every way I can, but as the challenges continue, I’m reaching out now for additional support.

Leelan’s injury has left him facing a number of ongoing challenges, including adapting to monocular vision, extreme light sensitivity, struggles with depth perception, and a reduced field of vision. These physical limitations require constant adaptation and patience in his daily life, especially as he navigates his senior year in high school and looks toward the future.

Beyond the physical challenges, there’s also the emotional toll. Leelan is a brave, strong, and resilient young man, but coping with these changes, the uncertainty of his vision’s future, and the long recovery process has been incredibly tough on him. Many of his usual activities are on hold, and it’s been difficult for him to navigate the world in this new way.

On top of all this, the financial impact of his care has been significant. The surgeries, doctor’s appointments, travel and parking costs, medications, and ongoing treatments are not just immediate needs—they are likely to continue for years as he works toward recovery. While our family has done everything we can to manage and prepare for these costs, it has become clear that we could use some help in ensuring Leelan gets the care he needs without the added stress of mounting bills.

Your contributions will go directly toward easing this financial burden on Leelan’s family, helping them cover the ongoing medical expenses and related costs, as well as helping Leelan prepare for his still uncertain future. Every donation, no matter how small, is a lifeline for this family, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—Leelan’s recovery and well-being.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your network. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference in their lives, and we are incredibly grateful for any support you can offer. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my grandson and his family during this challenging time.