Help Bradley Navigate Blindness & Medical Expenses

Hello,

Over the years, many people have told me they love following my adventures on social media, wishing they could experience the fun and excitement I’ve been blessed to have. But today, I’m reaching out to share something very different—something I never imagined I’d face.

Three Mondays ago, I heard words that changed my life forever. A neurological ophthalmologist, Dr. Alec Chaleff in Plantation, Florida, said: "Bradley, you are legally blind."

How It Started

In November, my company downsized, and I lost my job. My health insurance ended at the end of that month, and with my severance package, I had to prioritize essentials—my mortgage, electricity, and internet—to continue searching for work.

Then, in December, my vision began to decline. It started with severe floaters (side note: if you ever experience floaters for more than two or three days, see an eye doctor immediately!). Without insurance, I tried every over-the-counter remedy, hoping it would pass. But the day after Christmas, I woke up to a terrifying reality—my left eye could only detect light, and my right eye had a 40% gray blur over everything. I knew I needed help, insurance or not.

Hospitalization and Diagnosis

I went to the ER and was admitted for five days. Thank you, Jr, for taking me to the ER, sitting with me until I was admitted at midnight, and calling and visiting me every day. They ran extensive tests—CT scans, MRIs, a spinal tap—but left with no clear answers. The scans did show my retina was pushing through my eyeball, which was alarming. I was discharged with instructions to see an ophthalmologist. (Thank you, Michael, for helping me arrange an appointment and taking me to Walgreens twice to pick up prescriptions.)

A week later, I finally got an appointment with Dr. Alec, who delivered the devastating news: I was legally blind. He urgently referred me to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, warning that my vision was deteriorating quickly and time was of the essence. (HUGE thank you to Carrie, my dearest friend of 30 years, for driving from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale in the middle of the night on Wednesday to get me to Bascom Palmer on Thursday morning.)

At Bascom Palmer, after a full day of ultrasounds and consultations, the doctors diagnosed me with severe uveitis—an aggressive inflammatory eye condition. Unfortunately, my case was severe, and the condition had already mangled both of my retinas. They scheduled emergency surgery the very next day, reinforcing how serious my condition had become. (Thank you Mom & Dad for being there for me after my surgery and taking me to my follow up appointment the very next morning.)

The Uncertain Road Ahead

Currently, I am in Orlando recovering from surgery. (Thank you mom, dad, and Carrie supporting me during this time.) They performed laser treatments, took fluid biopsies, and administered four injections directly into my right eye (trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve had eyeball injections). Despite their efforts, my prognosis remains uncertain. The cultures taken during surgery came back negative, which means the cause of the inflammation is still unknown.

What the surgery did make clear, however, is that the condition causing the inflammation had already eaten away large portions of my retina, leaving them severely damaged and mangled. This extensive damage has made my situation even more complex, making it difficult to determine the best course of treatment.

Without a clear diagnosis, doctors have recommended I see additional specialists. However, frequent trips between Orlando and Miami for medical care have been incredibly difficult. Bascom Palmer has been phenomenal, but their team is now referring me to a uveitis specialist and a specialist optometrist for further evaluation.

Why I Need Your Help

This has been a life-altering experience, and the financial burden is overwhelming. Here’s where the funds will go:

1.) Medical Expenses: I am currently uninsured, and my five-day hospital stay at Holy Cross alone is $26,000. My treatment at Bascom Palmer, including surgery, totals $49,000. These expenses continue to grow as I seek further care.

2.) Living Expenses: While applying for assistance programs, I need help covering essential bills—mortgage, electricity, HOA fees—so I can focus on recovery.

3.) Alternative Treatments: Since surgery ruled out viral, fungal, or bacterial infections, my doctors are at a loss. I’d like to explore holistic and alternative therapies in the hope of restoring some vision.

4.) Transportation: The journey to recovery isn’t just about treatment—it’s about access. I may need additional surgeries and will definitely require ongoing follow-up appointments with specialists. With no vision and long distances between Orlando and Miami, transportation costs for these critical medical visits are another hurdle I need help overcoming.

How You Can Help

If you’re able to contribute, any amount would make a huge difference in helping me navigate this unexpected and life-altering challenge. If you prefer to donate to a nonprofit, I’m also connecting with Lighthouse for the Blind, an organization that helps people with vision loss develop new skills for independence. To raise awareness, I’m also posting visual confirmation from my doctor stating I am legally blind.

Please Repost

If you can’t donate, please repost this by sharing with your network, social media and otherwise—and if you feel inclined, include a fun or funny story about me. I’d love to hear them read back to me one day. (Thank you, Kim, for all of your help with everything, including facilitating this!)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please also remember my lesson: If you or someone you know has floaters for more than two days, see an eye doctor immediately. It might just save their sight.

Every donation, share, and kind word means the world to me. Thank you for your generosity and support on this uncertain road ahead.

With gratitude,

Brad