My name is Mary Jane. I am 79 old retired mother who is currently caring for my 60-year-old son, Lee. Back in December 2023, he suffered an accident which dramatically changed our lives. He suffered a blow to his head which resulted in a detached retina. He did not have any health insurance where he worked. This injury occurred right before Christmas, which caused us difficulty getting to see an eye doctor. We were sent from the Emergency Dept to a local eye doctor, and then to a facility in St. Augustine. From there we sent to Rinehart Surgery Center in Lake Mary, Florida.
There, on December 27, 2023 his right eye was operated on. Some charges were paid on my credit cards, others on a payment plan. The surgery looked to be successful, and he was allowed to return to work on January 19, 2024. He worked 3 ½ days at the roofing company, when he suddenly lost sight again in his right eye while picking up material at Home Depot.
Returning to his surgeon, it was discovered his retina had detached again.
Surgery was again performed on January 30, 2024 on his right eye. This time using an oil bubble to hold the retina in place (instead of a gas bubble which dissipates on its own). The oil will at a later date have to be surgical removed. It causes blurred vision but successfully keeps the repaired retina in place until it heals.
One of the side effects of this type of problem is the development of cataracts. As predicted, Cataracts have developed in both eyes causing him to become “legally blind.” The formation of the Cataracts also caused the retina to be hard to see through by the surgeon.
Due to his lack of medical insurance, the local hospital demanded $14,000 up front, before he could have the first surgery and another $14,000 two weeks later for his left eye. Financial assistance was refused, even after filling out all the forms. Apparently, cataract surgery is elective. As a result, his cataract surgeries were canceled for June 2024.
From June to October 2024 the cataracts hardened and presented a challenge to the cataract surgeon.
On October 8, 2024, as Hurricane Milton was barreling toward Florida, Lee had surgery on his right eye again by Dr. Root of the Tomoka Eye Associates. This time for the removal of the cataract and lens replacement. He was evaluated on October 29, 2024, found that there was some minor improvement in his right eye, but he was still considered “legally blind”.
Then on November 15, 2024 he was referred back to Florida Retina to take care of the right eye. The Cataract surgeon did not want to mess with the “good” eye until the health and vision of the right eye is determined.
It is expected that Lee will have to have at least two more surgeries.
This experience has been a life changing and dramatic experience for us both. He is the one who is suppose to be taking care of me. He promised his sister to take care of me as she was dying of cancer several years ago.
It is rather comically when we go to the grocery: I in my electric shopping cart pointing out the items on the shelf, while he pushes the regular cart. He loads the bags into the car, and then has to help me into the driver’s seat.
I, at present don’t know exactly how much more money it is going to take to get him back to work. He is frustrated at not being able to work and earn a living. We have run up our credit cards and have reached a dead end in trying to handle these expenses ourselves. Presently there is about $25,000 in debt, with more expected until he can return to work
We would appreciate your prayers and any financial help you can contribute. We have hopes his vision can be restored enough for him to work and drive again.
He hopes he can keep his promise to his sister.