Cornea Transplant for Father and Photographer

HELLO! My name is Dominique Drakeford - I’m a sustainability writer, speaker and content creator. And I’m crowdfunding on behalf of my fiancé, Timothy Smith, who is an extremely talented photographer and video director. We have a two-year-old son (Sage) and just welcomed our daughter (Sequoia) two months ago - both by way of home birth. As creative entrepreneurs based in Brooklyn, we’ve been able to provide a stable life for ourselves and our children thus far.

Despite being an incredible photographer - since 2011, Timothy has battled with a relentless eye condition called keratoconus (where essentially your cornea gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone shape). Although he has the condition in both eyes - his right eye has always been significantly worse. We thought that the gradual loss of vision in Timothy's right eye would eventually self-correct or at least cease to worsen since his work hasn’t been too affected. However, after a few years of the damage being “stable”, things have taken a drastic shift!

Over the last few weeks, his condition detrimentally advanced! Since the start of July - most days, Tim wakes up with severe blurred vision and intermittent sharp and stabbing-like pains in his right eye. After several consultations with a cornea specialist, doctors have recommended that the best course of action is for Timothy to get a cornea transplant in his right eye and a cross-linking surgery in his left eye as soon as possible so that permanent sight loss doesn’t transpire. His right cornea can not be restored which is why he needs a transplant and the less invasive surgery for his other eye is intended to correct and preserve his left cornea.

Both surgeries including the procedures and recovery will be a 3-6 month process (depending on how quickly he heals) in which none of the operations will be covered by his insurance. In our 10 year union, Tim nor myself have never crowdfunded, even when faced with countless entrepreneurial obstacles and challenges. Today, we find ourselves at a critical and vulnerable juncture, seeking your compassion and support.

We are seeking $40,000 to cover the cost of both essential procedures. Your contribution will also alleviate the burden of medical expenses, including consultations, medications, and follow-up appointments. Additionally the funds will be used to help me pay for any child care services on an as needed basis. The road to recovery will be arduous, and Timothy will be unable to work for an extended period, leaving us in a state of financial uncertainty. Your generosity will ensure our family's basic needs are met during Timothy's recovery period, granting us the solace and stability we truly seek.

“As soon as I regain my vision, I vow to use my talent as a photographer to give back to the community and help those in need. I believe in the power of art to inspire!” - Timothy

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this! If you have the capacity to contribute, we extend our deepest gratitude. And if you are unable to give, we kindly ask that you share our story, spreading the compassion that resides within your community.

With unwavering love and eternal gratitude,

Dominique Drakeford, Timothy Smith,

Sage & Sequoia