This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do...ask for help.

I was diagnosed with Graves’ in June 2016.  I’m an Army Veteran and a former civilian Police Officer in Lenexa. I knew how to fight in both of those jobs. Now I'm fighting Graves’. I won’t let it win!

Hi.  This is me.  My name is Todd.  

This is Marty Feldman (Just to be clear)

I’m just one of those lucky guys. Do you remember Marty as Igor (Eye-gor, get it??) in Young Frankenstein? His trademark bulging eyes are a result of his having Graves’ Disease. It’s an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Only about 0.5% of men get it with Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

After many tests and trials with medications, my thyroid levels are good, but I’m getting ready to battle the next stage. Due to my eyes bulging past my orbital rim and the loss of vision (20-25% of my peripheral vision), I’m having bilateral orbital decompression. I have been hesitant to have these surgeries knowing the financial hardship it will cause. However, it has become necessary and urgent due to the pressure on my optic nerves. I’m looking at potentially 5 surgeries in all. I’m very blessed in having two great surgeons in the Kansas City area - Dr. William White and Dr. Peter Shapiro. It’s scary due to that fact that if left untreated, it can lead to complete blindness and/or death. I don’t like either of those options, so surgery – here I come.

I work for a small business that doesn’t have FMLA – no guarantee of keeping my position. I’m glad my job is going to work with me right now in letting me take the time off needed to get the first two surgeries done. However, I’m going to have to take all recovery time as unpaid leave.

I’m used to being the one to help others through their troubled times. I’ve never been the one who needed to ask for help, but with the unpaid leave for surgery/recovery, and the upcoming mountain of medical bills, Graves’ has forced me there. We (Donna and I) have cut our expenses to necessities only, but our family can’t make it on just one income.

Big or small, every contribution is appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and support, and for helping me win this battle.  Any remaining monies after expenses will be donated to the Graves' Disease Foundation. Information can be found at:  http://www.gdatf.org

UPDATE:  3/7/17 - It's my birthday :)
I had my left orbital decompression yesterday.  Here are a few pics. 

I am feeling pretty good today for having my left eye sewn shut.  Facing recovery with a positive attitude.  Now I know what the right eye procedure will feel like come April 3rd!  More updates to follow.

Thank you again for your love and support. 

TADA
Todd and Donna Ashe