Bryan's Fight for Sight

Sometimes you have lifelong friends and others you are lucky enough to feel like you have known forever. I consider myself fortunate to call Bryan and Nicole McHenry friends.  It is difficult to stand by watching them while they are hurting.  What should have been one of the most joyous times of their lives, has been overshadowed with a devastating diagnosis. 

Over the last few years, Bryan noticed his vision was changing. Like many, he procrastinated seeing a doctor. He realized he needed to address his health concern before the birth of his first child.  Bryan made an eye appointment. The optometrist found irregularities in both of his corneas and he was diagnosed with a progressive, degenerative eye disease in both eyes called Keratoconus.  This disease thins and flattens the cornea in some areas and causes it to bulge into a cone in other areas and will eventually rupture if the disease progresses without treatment leading to blindness.

After further consulting with the amazing surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic, Bryan was presented with a suggested treatment called Corneal Crosslinking.  This procedure will stop the progressive degeneration of his corneas and allow the doctors to then fix his vision. While Bryan has insurance through Medical Mutual,  it unfortunately is one of the ONLY primary medical insurances in Ohio that does NOT cover this procedure. 

Bryan will continue to lose vision in both eyes due to cornea damage. Eventually, he will require cornea transplants in both eyes.  Cornea transplants aren’t guaranteed and without any treatment, there is a possibility of permanent blindness. 

With medical bills piling up from the birth of their first child and from his vision specialist appointments, it is difficult to pay out of pocket for the procedure. Each eye costs approximately $5800.00 with a total of $11,600.00 to save both eyes. Currently, his left eye is significantly worse and he needs to schedule his first surgery for late December 2019. 

Bryan is an Intervention Specialist at Ontario High School and Middle School dedicated to helping students maximize their potential and self-worth.   You may also recognize him as a part of the Phoenix Brewing Company family. He is hardworking,   family-oriented, and dedicated to making the community a better place. 

Please consider helping Bryan in his Fight for Sight.