Vision for Darrell!!

On October 31st, 2016, our Dad, Darrell Pura, started to lose the vision in his left eye.  Within 3 days, 90% of his vision in that eye was gone.  What he could see was dark, blurred with no peripheral.  The specialist said this vision loss was permanent.  They said it was highly unlikely this would happen to his right eye.

On November 29, 2016, the vision in his right eye started to deteriorate.  Withing 3 days, he had lost 75% of his vision in that eye.  What was left was dark, blurred, no peripheral. He describes his vison as looking through  a  dark shirt pulled over his head.

Our family was devastated.  Darrell is the one we go to for help with building projects, sports and family support.  He is one of the most talented, smart, strong and interesting people we know.  And now his life is turned upside down.  In a span of a few days, he went from being a guitar builder, woodworker, carpenter.... to a man who cannot drive, work, read, build, golf or play catch with his grandchildren.  He requires assistance walking in unfamiliar territory.  The prognosis from the ophthalmologist is permanent vision loss.  The prognosis from the neurologist is possible vision improvment in his right eye within a year.

It has been seven months of near blindness for Darrell.  They think his vision loss was from a rare reaction to a heart medication he was prescribed.  When the vision loss in his right eye started, we took him off the drug.  We believe we saved what little vision was left. 

Everyone Darrell knows - family, friends, guitar customers, associates and acquaintances - has been so supportive, offering to help in any way they can.  Our family is strong.......very strong.....but sometimes that just isnt enough.  So many prayers, so many tears, everyday asking "Is it getting any better Dad?"  As he was before, he still is one of the strongest men we know.

Today, there is a light.  We have researched the possibility of stem cell therapy for Darrell's optic neuropathy.  His optic nerves are damaged and need to regenerate.  We are hopeful that stem cell treatment can do that.... to improve his vision in any way.  Unfortunately, these treatments are not performed in Canada and are not covered by healthcare.  Through much research, we have found a company in Thailand we believe that can help Darrell.  The company is a world leader in stem cell research and after much consultation with them, they have accepted Darrell as a patient.  Darrell and Astrid are going to Thailand in January 2018.  The cost of his treatment is $30,000.

As his children, we wanted to do whatever we can to help our Dad.  This is why we offered to do some fundraising, to help cushion some of the costs of this treatment.  He has been unable to work since November 2016.  If you can help in any way, your contribution would be greatly appreciated by our entire family.  If Dad's vision improves even slightly, it would change his life.  We cant wait to see him back in his workshop building and repairing the instruments of his many friends and customers in the music industry.  Playing with his grandchildren, driving his truck, golfing..... these are the things he needs to start enjoying his life again. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our Dad's story and if you know someone who would be interested in helping out in any way, please forward this to them.  Thank you.

Yours truly,

Steve, Dave and Christine Pura