Next to losing one's mind to aging, I think losing one's sight can be the most difficult to contemplate. That is what I am facing right now. I have cataracts and I am losing my sight at an alarming rate. I am a teacher and at the moment, I can not see to identify my students in the back of the classroom at my part-time job. I suffer from near-constant headaches from trying so hard to focus, I am completely night-blind and have not driven a car since 2006.

I need a relatively simple operation to have my cataracts removed and the lenses in my eyes replaced. But, I am too young for medicare to cover it and  I have not had health insurance since the start of the pandemic. 

At this point, with the diagnosis already made and the very high deductibles, insurance wouldn't help me. So, I have to raise the money to pay for this surgery myself. I have worked hard to save, but I can see I really need help. This surgery will cost between six and ten thousand dollars if I pay upfront.  

If I can get the surgery when it is scheduled in late April, you will be helping me to continue my work with neuro-diverse children. These kids depend on me to teach them the strategies they need to be successful in a neurotypical world. My working life with these kids will be extended by at least a decade. 

You can help me to get my surgery by donating $25 or more, to my fund. For me personally, the impact will be huge. I could see without glasses for the first time in my life. I will be able to get a driver's license and drive a car again. For the students I serve, it means I can help support them during the most difficult parts of their lives.