Something most people dont know about me is that I was born with a rare genetic eye condition called LCA. It is a disease that causes very low vision that continues to get worse until there is total blindness.  As a young child I went to many different doctors trying to find a treatment that would help me. I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a clinical trial using gene therapy that would change the outcome of my disease. My eye surgery is probably my most important and scary experiences of my life. It prevented me from going completely blind and set the foundation for what my life would be like down the line.

Before I got my Eye surgery I was pretty much a lost cause. I could barely see anything and I could barely do anything in school. Not only that I but I couldnt even recognize my own parents by looking at them. But despite all of this we managed to find some thing that could help, and that something was my eye surgery.

I was very nervous when got my first  surgery. I was only six at the time and I never really understood the importance of it. The surgery was an experimental treatment and at the time I was the youngest patient at Childrens Hospital to ever receive it. When I arrived at the hospital I was terrified. It took some time for my parents to calm me down but I eventually gave in and went through with it. I remember right before they put me to sleep my doctor asked me “are you ready” to which I responded with “Lets do this”, and so it began.

I woke up a few hours later without a clue as to what happened plus my parents were gone. The doctors began asking me questions about how I was feeling. I had a patch over my eye that I had to wear for a few days. At first I couldnt really see anything at all, everything was foggy.  After about two weeks, I was at home with  my mom and as I was looking at her I noticed something was different. I could see her a little more clearly. She asked what I was looking at, and I said, “you”. She began to cry with tears of joy. My vision isn't perfect but the surgery definitely made things brighter and helped me notice things I hadnt noticed before. 

Although my vision isnt perfect, I am grateful to have had a treatment that has kept me from going blind. Despite my visual impairment I still am able to play video games, go to school, and even run cross country. My challenges have taught me alot about who I am as a person. It has made me stronger and hopefully has motivated others with challenges to not let their disability hold them back from reaching their goals. I still get frustrated sometimes that my vision makes things harder, but when I think about everything I went through to be where I am today it helps me get  through it a little easier.

In the end this was a a very important defining moment for me. Had it never happened I probably wouldnt be writing this story, but I am grateful that it did. Thanks for reading my story.