Donate For Don Harris Eye Surgery

GoFundMe For Eye Surgery and Other Medical Expenses:

Hello everyone, my name is Don Harris.

Almost 40 years ago an ATV accident which nearly killed me led to reconstructive surgery of my face and left me blind in my right eye. The excellent doctors at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville Pa. throughout that year of 1985 did what they could to mend my bones and reattach the retina to help me recover minimal vision. With the injuries to the rest of the eye (Aphakia) I was told eventually Traumatic Glaucoma would set in and it did about 14 years later. Now all vision is gone in the eye and more problems with it. Also want to get an artificial eye to help my self-esteem which has been low all these years. Have been living the life of an introvert on a roller coaster of anxiety, depression, avoiding people, medicating on the lows, and putting on a happy face to avoid sympathy from anyone. What's worse is I avoided doctors when other injuries and illnesses indicated I should make appointments. Didn't care about myself enough to ask for help. Procrastination with our health can cost us our life, make that appointment.

Eventually after three spinal surgeries, Meniere's disease, and more broken bones (depth perception factor), I had to stop working and now live on a fixed income/pension.

Volunteered to be a test subject for medical research a few times, all interesting experiences and more in my future. First, I have to get my house in order again after I see what's new for us folks needing an artificial eye so this problem will be improved.

Now in my 60's with this and other medical issues adding up I want to look in the mirror and see my old cheerful self again. If my eye couldn't be improved, I would accept that and I know it can be much better, so I want to try.

There's only one way anyone can understand living with traumatic aphakia and these injuries, and I'm happy for those who will never understand this. Empathy helps you imagine it, not live it.

My insurance won't cover all of this and the other health issues I'm dealing with right now. Have started the ball rolling on addressing the eye while my other doctors sort out current problems. Hoping to raise $12,000 so I can afford medical expenses without more medical debt.

Thank you for reading my words. Any donations much appreciated.

Don Harris