This is probably the last update before surgery, but who knows. I might get inspired. I want to thank everyone for their contributions. If you hadn't given, I know that these surgeries wouldn't be happening. I can't believe it's only 11 more days. I can't tell you how much it warms my soul, blessings from the bottom of my heart. I'm up to $5255 of the $7500. Almost there, so very close. And now the update.

It's March 9th, and it's been one heck of a weekend. My surgeries are due soon 3/20 for the right, 4/3 for the left, it's getting close. I called on Thursday, 3/5 to see what I needed to do to prepare. Friday afternoon, 3/6, right around closing time, I got a text saying that they had "cancelled my appointment and were looking forward to seeing me sometime in the future." By the time that I saw the text and called back, they were closed. With the history of this, I almost panicked. They didn't open until 8:30 on Monday, today. I spent the weekend praying and doing deep breathing. I called this morning, and thank goodness the appointments are still in place; they have no idea why the text happened. Several more deep breaths. Although I'm still a bit nervous about having my eyes operated on, I really don't want any more delays. I'm really excited to be able to see clearly again. Forward movement, 11 more days to go.

1-25-26 A bit of an update. I started this process in November of 2025. The administrative setup of the medical system in this country needs some work. I am very glad that what I have is not life-threatening because if it were, I might not be here now. I've updated the information and dates in my letter.

I had my surgeries scheduled for 1/7/26 and 1/14/26. Everything was good to go, approvals were received, until 3 days before the first surgery. I was contacted by the doctor that the appointments had to be canceled because the facility where my surgery was scheduled happened to be in another county. Same doctor, same clinic, different location, which had earlier availability. The group I am with apparently just realized this and has changed the approval to the clinic in the next city. By the time this happened, the only appointments were in late March and early April. So I have to wait two more months before my cataract surgery, and hopefully this time things will work. It does, however, give some added time to get the finances together. Onto my story.

My name is Patrice, and I'm 68 years old. I’ve spent much of my life for the past 25 years in service to my spiritual community. I’ve also worked many different types of jobs to support myself and my service. About 12 years ago, I injured my back and have been living on disability since then. This means very low income. I’m not at all complaining; it has taught me to value and appreciate everything. Especially the little things one doesn’t often think about. I’ve adjusted to life in general without having to ask for assistance, but I need to reach out now.

For the past several years, I’ve been experiencing changes in my sight. The optometrist has been suggesting going to a doctor for cataracts. I’ve been putting this off because there hasn’t been a way to cover the costs, and I can’t put it off anymore. I can’t see at night, everything is fuzzy all the time now, driving is dangerous, and the cataracts are causing my eyesight to continue to deteriorate. Even sitting and typing this is a challenge. But I don’t have to lose my sight.

I finally went to the doctor, and he said the cataracts are bad, and I am looking at the possibility of glaucoma due to the shape and size of my eyes. All of this can be corrected by laser surgery and replacing the lenses. And having the surgery will also help me to avoid glaucoma. In total, the cost will be $7500. I don’t like asking for help; I’ve been a do-it-yourselfer all of my life. But I can’t do this one alone; I need your help desperately. I’m putting this out there to my higher power, and to you all, and asking for your help.

Nothing will happen unless I put in the work; I know this. So moving forward and believing that good things will happen. I've gotten my pre-op physical. I’ve had an appointment on December 19th, 2025, for the doctor to take measurements and do some testing on my eyes to prepare for the surgery. The eyes will be done one at a time, a week apart, so I have appointments on Friday, 3/20/26, and Friday, 4/03/26 for the surgeries.

On the financial side, I’m starting this GoFundMe. I know that it's the holiday season, and things might be tight, but it is also a time of giving. I am asking you to please help me out. Anything helps. Please put in whatever you can; it all adds up.

Help me to start out the new year by giving me my sight back and being able to see all of your beautiful faces.

Many blessings

Patrice