Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Connor's Story and how to Donate

We all know Connor Perry as a little boy full of energy, happiness and lots of love, whose smiles and giggles light up a room. He has two amazing parents, Mike and Ashley, who absolutely adore him. As a family they share a love for nature, whether it be the ocean or the mountains you’ll find them sharing nature’s beauty together. The Perry’s are going to be expanding their love very soon because they have a baby girl due April 9th and they couldn’t be happier.

When Connor was about a month old a family friend noticed his pupil wasn’t in the center of his eye. At 6 months old doctors checked his eyesight by putting him under anesthesia, the result, he was extremely nearsighted with a prescription of minus 12.25 and minus 11.5. The Perry’s then got Connor glasses and did eye exercises by patching of the better eye to strengthen the eye muscle.

When Connor was 13 ½ months old he had strabismus surgery to correct the misalignment of his eyes. With Strabismus one eye may be directed straight ahead while the other is turned inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). The misalignment may always be noticeable, or it may come and go. The misaligned eye may straighten at times and the straight eye may turn. Strabismus can occur in newborn babies, but it is more likely to appear later in infancy or early childhood. It can also occur in older children and adults. If treatment of strabismus is delayed, amblyopia (lazy eye) may develop, leading to loss of vision in the eye that is not being used. Strabismus is caused, or partially caused, by errors of refraction (the way light enters the eye), illness, injury or heredity.

The Perry’s were so happy when they were told at the follow up visit the surgery was a success. Since then Ashley has been asking the doctors to recheck Connor’s eyes. On March 11th the doctors finally did and the results were not good. His eyesight has gotten much worse. Trying to do everything they can for their little boy, Ashley and Mike made an appointment for March 25th at The Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA, a worldwide leader and innovator in eye care, and has long been recognized for outstanding advancements in vision sciences and the highest quality patient care. Their appointment is with one of the best Ophthalmologists, Dr Joseph Demer, Chief of Comprehensive Ophthalmology. This visit and possible future surgeries will get very expensive, not to mention the constant cost of new glasses for Connor.

The Connor’s Vision Fund has been established to help Mike and Ashley with these unexpected costs. Any amount you can donate will help. Know that you are making a difference in this family’s life.

To Donate please make your check payable to Brittinny Allen
and mail to:

Brittinny Allen
2370 Etiwanda Street
San Diego, CA 92107

If you have any questions please contact Lori Jimenez at lorijimenez@cox.net or Brittinny Allen at britellyse@hotmail.com. Brittinny and Lori will give 100% of the donations to Mike and Ashley Perry. We will be accepting donations throughout the year. Thank you so much for your support!



5 comments:

  1. Lori.

    Your support for Mike and Ashely is admirable. Your support and love for Connor is evident. Thanks....love..dad

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are amazing women and beautiful friends. Mike, Ashley and Connor are blessed. Thank you for sharing your love.

    susan perry

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Perry's, their extended family and friends are truly wonderful people. Despite his optical challenges, Connor is truly blessed. Let's all hope for the best possible outcome as the journey unfolds.

    ReplyDelete
  4. As Ashley's cousin, I think this is a wonderful thing you both are doing for her and her family. I will be sending money today. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness- Connor is in the best hands.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lori & Brittany-
    You are angels....thanks for loving them so much!

    ReplyDelete