Support Nicole's Vision Recovery Journey

Hi, my name is Nicole.

For more than 15 years, I dedicated my life to caregiving as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I worked in various areas of the caregiving field and loved every moment of helping others. However, as my health conditions progressed, it became increasingly difficult to continue in my role. In 2022, after being declared legally blind, I made the heartbreaking decision to step away from a career that brought me so much fulfillment.

Living with keratoconus is a journey filled with challenges that affect nearly every aspect of my life. This eye condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing clearly—even with glasses or contact lenses. Everyday tasks like reading, watching TV, or recognizing faces have become challenging.

Driving, particularly at night, is impossible due to the halos and glare caused by lights. The unpredictability of my condition is frustrating, as my vision can change drastically from day to day. Beyond the physical struggles, my condition has also taken an emotional toll. Losing my independence and relying on others has been a challenging adjustment, and social situations can feel isolating when I can’t clearly see the faces around me.

Despite my challenges, living with keratoconus has taught me resilience. It’s pushed me to adapt, find creative solutions, and lean on the support of my family and medical professionals. My journey has been one of perseverance, hope, and advocacy.

I’m sharing my journey to raise awareness about this condition that is often misunderstood and overlooked. My goal is to shed light on the challenges I am facing daily living with this condition.

Recently, on December 13, 2024, I experienced a sudden tear in my left cornea, leaving me with even more limited vision and a long, uncertain road to recovery. While I’m doing everything I can to heal, the process is slow and could take 3 to 4 months. If scarring occurs, a corneal transplant may be my only option to restore my vision.

The financial burden of ongoing medical visits, treatments, and potential surgery is overwhelming, especially as I’m unable to work and rely on a fixed income. The funds I’m hoping to raise will be used to:

• Cover frequent visits to my eye doctors, including co-pays for my corneal specialist and primary eye doctor.

• Pay for transportation and gas to and from appointments, as I can no longer drive.

• Cover prescription eye drops and ointments not covered by insurance.

• Address other medical expenses related to my condition.

Your support, whether through a donation or simply sharing my story, will make an incredible difference in my life. No amount is too small, and I’m deeply grateful for any kindness you can offer during this challenging time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of my journey toward recovery.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Nicole