Support Roy C Booth's Journey to Regain His Vision

On June 28, 2024 Roy C. Booth was riding his wheelchair down the sidewalk, and was the victim of a random brutal attack in downtown Bemidji, permanently damaging his right eye. It swelled up immediately and he had blood gushing down his face. He was rushed by ambulance to the hospital but the eye area was too damaged for the doctor to do a thorough visual exam. After an exam a few days later it was determined that Roy will have to undergo several eye surgeries. It was previously unclear the extent of the damage and exactly what would/could be done to regain his vision. We now know that Roy will have to undergo several eye surgeries causing our family business to be shut down, hours of travel and days of hotel stays. The first one will be later this month to remove the lens of his right eye (it was knocked to the back of the eye when he was punched in the face). Due to his fragile health this eye surgery will be done at Abbot Northwestern hospital. There will be several visits out of town for the follow up check ups to monitor eye bleeding (a very likely possibility) and infection. After that there will be more surgeries to replace the lens and fix the damage to the pupil sphincter among other things. After all medical procedures are exhausted, full vision is still not expected. He cannot read the novels he used to read and has difficulty pursuing his writing as well as navigating himself in his wheelchair. He will pay out of pocket for whatever insurance won't cover and his only means of income will be closed down as he and his wife drive 4-6 hours for the surgeries and stay at hotels for the procedures as well as follow up appointments. Any amount is greatly appreciated. His assailant is still at large and restitution is doubtfull.

Roy C. Booth is a long time Bemidij, Minnesota resident, husband, and proud father of three boys. Along with his wife he is the owner/operator of Roy's Comics and Games. Roy became disabled around five years ago due to PTSD and multiple physical health problems after a stroke and several heart attacks and now uses a wheelchair to get around Bemidji.

Christmas update: Roy has suffered several respiratory issues and can't travel at this time. Surgeries have been pushed back until after his recovery so he is using eye drops twice a day to relieve pressure and hopefully avoid more damage.