Kaitlyn Acosta

Thank you for your interest in my little sunshine. Kaitlyn is such a joy to her family and friends. Anyone that knows Kaitlyn knows what an energetic little girl she is. In Kaitlyn you see such a sparkle and so much life. Through her 4.5 years she has had many struggles, but she is head-strong and she has kept her head up and continued her path. She has been such an encouragement to me through it all. I thank you for your interest in sharing her life and I ask for your prayers for Kaitlyn and our family. God has been good to us and He has surrounded us with such Christian Love from our family, our extended church family and our community. Again, we thank you and we pray that God blesses you and your family.

~ Kaitlyn’s Mom ~

Kaitlyn’s Medical History…

At age 6 months, Kaitlyn was referred to Duke University Eye Center and diagnosed with bi-lateral cataracts. She underwent her first surgery in July 2005 to remove a 100% visual impairment cataract on her left eye. At that time an Intra-ocular lens implant was placed. Challenging was a good way to describe her post-operative care: with eye drops required every two hours, post-operative hard-shell patching and monitoring to make sure a 6.5 month old followed the doctors orders; but as a family we all made it through.

Then 6 weeks later, we went back for her to undergo the same procedure on her right eye. The cataract on the right eye was less dense, enabling vision in that eye. Following the procedures, she developed glaucoma in her left eye first and eventually her right eye as well. Over time, scar tissue developed on the left eye and required surgeries.

Multiple surgeries required her to begin patching her eyes. The patching required alternating from the left to the right, to help increase the vision in both eyes.  Amblyopia developed, which increased the patching. Muscle surgeries on both eyes and a continued regimen of patching followed. Over time, her vision in both eyes improved. Her right eye has always been her dominant eye causing the left eye to struggle.

Over the past few years she has followed her Dr’s orders, sometimes wearing patches for short periods of the day and others for the entire day. Along with the continued patching, she struggles with the pressure related issues of glaucoma.

Currently her treatment involves prescription pressure reducing drops to help stabilize the pressure. Throughout her treatment, her left eye has not improved as well as her right eye. Now she is in need of an additional muscle related surgery on her left eye. Since our family has no medical insurance, we are required to pay for half of the procedure upfront.

Our church family and friends have been a huge blessing to us. We are holding a fundraiser at Berry’s Grove Baptist Church with prayers of raising enough money for the whole surgery ($20,000). We know times are tough for everyone right now, but you can help! Pray for Kaitlyn, our family, the doctors and medical staff. Pray for those who are able to give that God will bless them. Help us spread the word about the fundraiser to your family, friends and your church. Download flyers here that you can print and share with others. We appreciate your prayers more than you’ll ever know this side of heaven.