Posts for August 2014
CATHY MAYES | Christmas Gift of Sight
August 25, 2014
One fall, Cathy Mayes noticed her vision began rapidly changing. “Everything looked like I was looking at a funny mirror at an amusement park.” She learned she had a macular hole in her right eye, making her close to legally blind. Surgery was her only option, and the longer it was put off, the less chance for her to regain her vision. Due to existing medical bills, no insurance and estimated surgery cost of fifteen thousand dollars, Cathy began to face the prospect of going blind. “I don’t give up on life. It’s too valuable,” Cathy stated. However, that Thanksgiving, she insisted her six children, ten grandchildren and five step-grandchildren gather for a family picture. In case something happened, she wanted the chance to see her beautiful family together.
To continue to work, her office was equipped with low vision devices and a large flat screen monitor. She struggled to drive and her pursuit of her bachelor’s degree had to be put on hold, as on-line coursework was not available in large print.
Later, Cathy began noticing halos when she looked at things. “I was really scared something major was wrong,” she said. She’d just learned her son and his fiancé were expecting their first child, and was worried she would never see her new grandbaby.
The diagnosis was cataracts, often a result of eye surgery. She was referred to Dr. Terry Spencer at Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, who performed cataract surgery.
Today, she no longer wears glasses, which she had worn since eight years of age, except for reading.
“I have never been so touched by anything in my life, and I now plan to utilize this wonderful Christmas Gift of Sight to prove hope exists for others,” Cathy gratefully said. “This gift has reaffirmed my belief in people and the spirit of giving. With the blessing of my husband and children, we will be looking at those who do not have anything, and hopefully be more caring, understanding and giving for all.”
Last Modified: 08/31/2015 4:46:16 pm MDT
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MARILYN JONES | Christmas Gift of Sight
August 25, 2014
Imagine the following scene. One night you crawl into bed, tired, but satisfied after a full day. All is well in your world. The next morning you wake up and life has changed drastically – you have double vision and are unable to focus. Simple tasks become incredibly difficult or impossible. That is what happened to Marilyn Jones, the first recipient of the Northern Plains Eye Foundation’s Christmas Gift of Sight award.
Last Modified: 08/31/2015 11:22:29 am MDT
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TIM MCCRANEY | Christmas Gift of Sight
August 25, 2014
Tim McCraney’s life was severely altered when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Tim was his father’s sole care giver, and as the disease progressed, Tim made the tough decision to retire from his full-time job in order to care for his father. To continue to make ends meet, Tim took a part-time position that allowed him to bring his father to his job in order to keep him safe.Last Modified: 08/31/2015 4:40:42 pm MDT
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GINA FINNELL | Christmas Gift of Sight
August 25, 2014
When Gina Finnell went to renew her driver’s license, she didn’t pass her eye exam at the licensing bureau.
After follow-up examinations, Gina learned her vision problems were due to diabetes and high blood pressure. Her condition continued to worsen, leaving Gina legally blind.
Last Modified: 08/31/2015 4:45:35 pm MDT
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2ND ANNUAL CASINO ROYALE TO BENEFIT SIGHT-SAVING PROGRAMS OF NORTHERN PLAINS EYE FOUNDATION
August 25, 2014
The upcoming fall Casino Royale charity affair is “a party with a purpose.” Casino Royale, slated for Saturday, September 20, at the Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City, will feature an evening of socializing, elegant hors d’oeuvres and desserts, casino-style fun, silent and live auctions and more to benefit the sight-saving programs of the Northern Plains Eye Foundation (NPEF).
Last Modified: 08/29/2014 8:51:17 am MDT
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NORTHERN PLAINS EYE FOUNDATION MOVES TO NEW LOCATION
August 25, 2014
Northern Plains Eye Foundation (NPEF) has moved to 402 Saint Joseph Street, Suite 1, on the corner of 4th and Saint Joseph Street, in downtown Rapid City. NPEF is proud to be the first tenant to move into The Garage - Rapid City, an innovative, contemporary work environment for small businesses, nonprofits and freelance creatives, developed by partners Peter Anderson of MAC Construction and Matt Ehlman, Kerry Brock and Ted Stephens III of The Numad Group.
Last Modified: 08/31/2015 3:24:53 pm MDT
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Categories:
- General
- 2014 Casino Royale
- Christmas Gift of Sight Stories
- 2015 Casino Royale
- 2017 Casino Royale Charity Affair 5th Anniversary Celebration
- 2018 Casino Royale
- 2022 Casino Royale
