MIAMI (WSVN) — A toddler suffering from a condition that stole her sight traveled all the way from Brazil to Miami to receive a life-changing surgery.
Two-year-old Nicolly has been in Miami for the past six weeks undergoing surgeries at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s new pediatric center. "She was blind, and now she sees," said Dr. Alana Grajewski. "She could not see light at all in one eye, and she could barely see light in the other eye."
Nicolly was born with glaucoma. Usually, the disease is seen in aging adults, however, one in about 25,000 babies are born with it. Fortunately for the younger ones like Nicolly, the disease is curable.
However, for Nicolly, the journey for a cure has not been easy. Nicolly received seven surgeries while still in Brazil, but they were all unsuccessful. Nicolly’s mother, Diana Periera, turned to social media and created a Facebook page for help.
Through Nicolly’s Facebook page and the International Kid’s Fund, almost $20,000 was raised for Nicolly’s eye surgery. "This all happened thanks to social media," said Carolina Diago of the International Kid’s Fund.
Nicolly also underwent ear surgery when doctors realize she couldn’t hear either. "See the optic nerve is what’s damaged in glaucoma. We could see that there was still nerve tissue so there definitely was hope for vision," said Grajewski.
Nicolly and her mother head back to Brazil on Monday. However, in a year, they’ll be back in Miami for a follow-up visit.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
International Kid’s Fund
http://www.wonderfund.org/