Our beloved Salam has had a life-altering event that has rendered him completely and permanently blind overnight and forced him into retirement. Lucy, his wife of 28 years, has been his full-time caretaker during his recovery and hasn't been able to work since this happened in late February. We are all deeply saddened by what he’s had to give up and by the challenges he’ll face in re-establishing his independence, compounded by the loss of both incomes. This is not the retirement he or his loved ones envisioned.

Salam built a remarkable creative life in the visual arts, ultimately dedicating 17 years to shooting dance videography. Salam has shot and edited 370 productions. In his free time, he’s written six feature-length screenplays and worked as a substitute teacher. His passion for the arts has deeply influenced his children’s interests and careers.

Recently, Salam underwent an ocular outpatient procedure. Tragically, the next day, he experienced a rare and extremely painful complication known as an expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. Sadly, his vision cannot return. The following weeks were a blur of extreme pain from the hemorrhage and trying to navigate the next steps. He is facing another surgery and recovery, and the costs associated with that. Salam’s loved ones have been researching tools and home modifications to support his safety, independence, and creativity, but the estimated costs are daunting. Salam and Lucy need to cover their day-to-day living expenses and ongoing medical costs until Lucy can return to work. It will be a major adjustment to live without Salam’s income.

We — their family — are reaching out to friends, family, community members, creative associates, and kind-hearted strangers to help Salam and Lucy during this difficult time. Your support—whether through donations or by sharing this fundraiser—will make a meaningful difference as Salam and Lucy adjust to their new life. Thank you for standing with our family and helping us move forward with hope and gratitude.