My name is Michael, and I'm reaching out with a heavy heart but also with immense hope. My brother, David, is an incredibly talented and loving person. He's a gifted musician, a passionate storyteller, and the most supportive brother anyone could ask for. Unfortunately, David has been losing his sight for the past few years due to a rare genetic condition called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). This condition specifically affects the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss. What started as blurry vision has progressed rapidly, and David now has very limited peripheral vision and is legally blind. He can only distinguish between light and shadow.
Imagine a world without music, without the ability to read a book, without seeing the faces of your loved ones. This is David's reality, and it breaks my heart. He's faced this challenge with incredible strength and grace, continuing to play his music by ear and write stories using audio software. But I know how much he misses being able to see the world around him, especially the faces of his young children.
There's a potential treatment that could significantly improve David's vision: gene therapy using a viral vector to deliver a healthy copy of the ND4 gene, which is the most commonly affected gene in LHON. We've consulted with leading specialists at the [Name of Hospital/Clinic - e.g., Wilmer Eye Institute, Moorfields Eye Hospital], and they believe this treatment offers real hope for restoring his sight. While it's not a guaranteed cure, clinical trials have shown promising results in improving visual acuity and even reversing some of the damage to the optic nerve.
However, this treatment is incredibly expensive and not covered by our insurance. The total cost, including the gene therapy procedure itself, pre- and post-treatment evaluations, travel to the specialized clinic in [Location of Clinic - e.g., Philadelphia, London], accommodation for several weeks, and ongoing care, is estimated to be £45,000. This is a sum far beyond what our family can afford on our own. We've exhausted our savings and explored all other avenues of funding.
That's why I'm turning to KindlyFundMe and asking for your help. I believe in the power of community and the kindness of strangers. I know that together, we can make a life-changing difference for David.
Every donation, no matter how small, will bring us closer to our goal. Your generosity will not only help restore David's sight but also give him back his independence, his passions, and his ability to fully experience the beauty of the world, especially to see his children grow up.
Please consider donating to our campaign and sharing it with your friends and family. Together, we can help David see again.
Thank You:
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your compassion and support. Your kindness means the world to David and me.
Updates: (This section is crucial. As you receive donations, post updates about your progress, how David is doing, and any milestones you reach. Share photos and videos if possible.)
Donation Tiers (Optional):
- £25: Helps cover the cost of David's post-treatment medications.
- £50: Contributes towards David's travel expenses for treatment.
- £100: Supports a consultation with a specialist.
- £500: A significant contribution towards the treatment itself.
- £1000: Helps cover accommodation costs during David's treatment.
- Any amount: Every donation makes a difference!
Comments (0)