In April 2024, Elsie’s school notified us that she had failed a vision screening and recommended a standard eye exam. Our initial appointment was scheduled for one hour, but extended to 3.5 hours. During the exam the doctor identified significant inflammation in the front of Elsie’s eyes. Following this, Elsie attended weekly eye appointments for the next month. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with Chronic Anterior Uveitis. This diagnosis is continued inflammation of the front part of the eye.

During the following 9 months, Elsie slowly started to lose her vision in both eyes. She was administered high doses of oral steroids alongside steroid eye drops to combat severe inflammation. Despite this intensive treatment, there was no noticeable improvement in inflammation levels, and eye sight was still declining. Unfortunately, the prolonged use of these high steroid dosages led to the development of cataracts in both of Elsie’s eyes.

In February 2025, Elsie was prescribed a highly effective medication, and she is finally inflammation free! We feel so blessed that we finally got it under control, but now we have to overcome the next stepping stone…cataract surgery. While cataract surgery is a common and successful surgery, It is very high risk to perform on someone whose eyes are still growing and have inflammation like Elsie does. Because of this, the doctor needed 6 months of “deep and quiet eyes” before he could perform the cataract surgeries. We finally reached the 6 months of one of our new favorite phrases, “deep and quiet”.

Now it is time for the long awaited cataract surgeries. While insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the specialized lenses that will be used for Elsie’s procedure, we’re excited that these lenses are a step toward her long-term vision and well-being. The price per lens is$2,500 totaling the cost of about $5,000 just for the lenses. This does not include the other expenses of the eye surgery.

Elsie’s Aunt Celeste from IgKnight Printing generously offered to make t-shirts for Elsie to sell. For every shirt sold, Elsie will receive $11 from the sale price to go toward her surgeries. This kind support will help Elsie cover some of the medical expenses she needs. We will have the shirt order open from September 15-September 29th. IgKnight printing will then fulfill all the orders and send them off. We will offer 3 different ways to get your shirts:

1. Pick up in Eagle Mountain, UT

2. Pick up in San Antonio, TX

3. You can pay for your order to be shipped to you.

If you do wish help with this cause, but don’t want the product or if shipping is too much, we do have a donation option at the bottom of the page.

Thank you so much for being a light for Elsie!