Financial Assistance

Posted by briggs52 on 6/6/2011 at 8:31 AM

My son was born with Congenital Anirida. He is now 32 and working a full time job. However, over the past 3 years he has had five eye surgeries - all with excellent results. He had stem cell implants in both eyes followed by cornea transplants in both eyes to repair corneal clouding. That uncovered cataracts in both eyes. He has had cataract surgery in his left eye which improved his visual acuity from 20/1000 to 20/200 and an iris implant. He now needs to have the right eye done. Needless to say, the traveling from Massachusetts to the Cincinnati Eye Institute has put a tremendous strain on his finances and mine. I am a widow trying to help him. Does anyone know of any financial help that might be out there? He has received a very small donation for this last surgery from the Mass Commission for the Blind. HELP!

There is currently 1 reply

Re: Financial Assistance

Okay, the only thoughts I have are that there are charities out there specific to helping with medical bills. Some will look at your son's income to determine if he is the most in need.

Lion's club chapters have been known to help with funding eye surgeries and such. This will take connecting with them and most likely presenting the situation and such. They may require an actual in-person.

Some states will offer funding through foundations as well, but this would require a proposal. You can look at the local foundations in your area to see if they offer this type of assistance. Have you approached organizations that he is a part of, churches, and other local groups?

Just some thoughts. I know it gets expensive and can create a lot of stress. Medican assistance programs are also around, you provide a certian percentage for the costs and they will try and help.

I am sure others will offer information.

Sincerely,
Joe S.
AFB Staff