Nicole's Eye Surgery Fund
Donation protected
I would like to tell you about my cousin's daughter, Nicole Benson. I call her "Cole."
Cole is very active in the church, particularly with the youth as a leader. She coordinates weekly programs and annual mission trips to help other families in need around the community. She serves as mentor to the junior high youth and their families. She gives her time, energy, advice, and support to the youth and their families regularly and finds that this work meaningful. Cole is a college graduate in broadcast journalism. She also graduated from seminary and has served in the church most of her life as a leader and a local pastor.
A year ago, Cole moved back home to help ill family members including her mother and her grandmother. She is only working part time at the church and is on a limited income.
A few years ago she was diagnosed with a cornea disease called Kerataconus, a cone shaping of the cornea which distorts light and has rendered her 'legally blind.' This disease has affected both of her eyes. As far as we know, this condition is hereditary and progressive.
In 2012, she had no choice but to have a cornea transplant in her left eye. At that time, her vision was 20/2200, as you can imagine, perfect vision is 20/20, so her condition was quite dire. It's been three years with her cornea transplant and she is seeing 20/30.
A few weeks ago, her doctor said that it was time to have surgery for her right eye. The doctor stated that she is currently a great candidate for a new procedure called INTACS. INTACS is a less invasive procedure and will allow for her to resume a healthy active life in a matter of a few days rather than weeks.
This procedure, like her cornea transplant, has been out of pocket cost and her medical insurance does not cover any of the expenses. It is estimated that the procedure will cost approximately $7,000.
I would be very grateful for any contribution made to this gofundme, and I'm sure Cole will be appreciative. It is our hope that she is able to schedule her surgery by early April/May so she can take her youth to their next mission trip.
Cole is very active in the church, particularly with the youth as a leader. She coordinates weekly programs and annual mission trips to help other families in need around the community. She serves as mentor to the junior high youth and their families. She gives her time, energy, advice, and support to the youth and their families regularly and finds that this work meaningful. Cole is a college graduate in broadcast journalism. She also graduated from seminary and has served in the church most of her life as a leader and a local pastor.
A year ago, Cole moved back home to help ill family members including her mother and her grandmother. She is only working part time at the church and is on a limited income.
A few years ago she was diagnosed with a cornea disease called Kerataconus, a cone shaping of the cornea which distorts light and has rendered her 'legally blind.' This disease has affected both of her eyes. As far as we know, this condition is hereditary and progressive.
In 2012, she had no choice but to have a cornea transplant in her left eye. At that time, her vision was 20/2200, as you can imagine, perfect vision is 20/20, so her condition was quite dire. It's been three years with her cornea transplant and she is seeing 20/30.
A few weeks ago, her doctor said that it was time to have surgery for her right eye. The doctor stated that she is currently a great candidate for a new procedure called INTACS. INTACS is a less invasive procedure and will allow for her to resume a healthy active life in a matter of a few days rather than weeks.
This procedure, like her cornea transplant, has been out of pocket cost and her medical insurance does not cover any of the expenses. It is estimated that the procedure will cost approximately $7,000.
I would be very grateful for any contribution made to this gofundme, and I'm sure Cole will be appreciative. It is our hope that she is able to schedule her surgery by early April/May so she can take her youth to their next mission trip.
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Benson
Organizer
Compton, CA
Nicole Benson
Beneficiary