Kere Keelan - My need to see

Kere was first diagnosed with the degenarative disorder of the eye namely Kerataconus at the young age of 9.

He was 9 years old and fainting in class, trying to concentrate so hard on what he once could see but would soon end up to no longer see at all.

Between the ages of 12-15 , Kere had numerous optomestrist appointments to fit him with contact lenses. In that optometrist room, tears rolled down Kere's cheeks as for the first time ever he saw his eldest nephew through these contact lenses.

Kere had to go into the optometrist often to have the lenses shape changed as his condition rapidly declined.

The contacts hurt terribly, the sharp pain as he blinked, the headaches as his head tried to keep up with the clear sight became too much where eventually Kere chose to carry on with life with what eyesight he had.

At the age of 15, the New Zealand Blind foundation were heavily engaged with Kere, offering him methods of support. Kere was now classed Legally blind.

At 15, Kere acted just like others his age and never gave anyone any reason to believe he was legally blind. Kere could not see faces at this point. Everything is detected by smell, voice and touch.

Kere has lived like this right up until today. Through fear of rejection an embarrassment, he is now sharing his story in a plea for support.

Kere has a 1 year old daughter, who he has never seen. However he still lives a happy content life, though he struggles with the basic necessities of life as he faces this disorder that has robbed him of sight.

A corner transplant (if successful) can give restore Kere's sight, which will give him the ability to lead a normal life, to watch his daughter grow, to see his family and to be independant. With your support we can help him achieve this.

From Kere an his family, we thank all those who have taken the time to read this and share his story.

Please check out his facebook page www.facebook.com/kerekeelan.