The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation members helped me in my darkest days

The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation members helped me in my darkest days. I am a partial corneal transplant recipient. The surgeon had reassured me that fewer than one percent of transplants fail. Well. My first transplant fell into that bucket. And it was frightening! I was out of town, with my hubby but away from my usual support system, when I realized I was blind in one eye and could remain that way while the surgeon waited one month, for the transplant tissue to “wake up.” During that month, I messaged the members seeking reassurance and support; one woman from California kept replying, reassuring me everything would turn out OK in the end. She was my lifeline, and she was correct! After one month, the doctor replaced the transplant tissue. The very next morning, I was excited to discern the four-inch polka dots on my purple robe! Gradually, my vision returned, and I had a successful transplant on the second eye. The following year, this member happened to travel to Chicago and made time to meet me. I felt so blessed and will remain grateful to her and to this valuable nonprofit, The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation.