Avery’s Story

Avery is ten months old and her vision has come a long way since birth. She was born with a rather severe case of bilateral Peter's Anomaly and severe glaucoma. She was also born with a large cyst in her brain, which her parents were told was unrelated to the eye disorder. Avery’s parents were shocked and heartbroken to learn these diagnosis, and so scared for her future.

Thankfully, Avery’s parents found wonderful vision doctors/specialists from day one. The doctors decided that after her first exam under anesthesia (at three weeks old), that cornea transplants in both eyes would be necessary, as well as Ahmed valves to control the pressures in her eyes.

Avery underwent a rough road through the entire summer of 2010, including three cornea graft operations, several operations to implant and repair the valves, an operation to remove her lenses, which were being destructive to the other parts of the eye, and several failed attempts with different medications to get her cornea surfaces to heal. In addition, her brain cyst was also being addressed, and she had several major complications occur with that operation, including contracting bacterial meningitis from the incision in her head – two days after her first cornea transplant!

Needless to say, things were looking bad for a long time. Avery’s Mom goes on to say, “The doctors did not seem to give us any good news, and we were prepared to raise a child who would be blind.” Then, one day in August, at a regular check-up with Avery’s cornea specialist, Avery’s parents were told that her surfaces were starting to show good progress, and eventually, they finally healed completely. She was then able to get fitted for glasses, very very thick ones, but from then on, things have just gotten better.

Avery’s health improved overall, and each day she has shown improvement with her sight.  Avery’s Mom sums it up when she says, “We were once unsure if she'd ever see her toys, or be able to look at our faces and now we have been given those gifts. While her exact vision is still uncertain, and her future is always unknown, we have been so encouraged by her progress, and we are in awe of her strength in her short, 10-month life.”

Avery’s parents have had a hard experience, but they are hopeful that they can take what they’ve learned and use it to help others in similar situations. In their words, “There is nothing more helpful than the support of others, especially if they can relate to you and encourage you along your journey.”

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Thanks to those who have donated in honor of Avery:
Nikole Carlson
Lorraine Devereux
Laura Henninger
Mary Anne Hilliard
Melissa Mielitz
Terry Reno
Matthew Satchell
Michelle Stando