Hi! Thank you for visiting my fund raising page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. Don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
I am extremely excited to be a member of Team Eye and Ear, and running for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) in the 2010 Boston Marathon. 18 years ago as I sat in an exam room at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, I never imagined I would help raise money for Ocular disease research that causes blindness related to Uveitis.
First I would like to share with you what Uveitis is. Uveitis is an Ocular inflammatory disease process of the middle layers of the eye called the Uvea, including the Iris, Choroid, Ciliary body with all its veins and arteries that transport blood to the eye that is critical for vision. Uveitis, if not treated correctly can permanently damage eyesight and causes blindness. Early intervention and treatment is necessary to avoid permanent vision loss. There is no cure for Uveitis. Uveitis is responsible for about 10 percent of all cases of blindness.
Why I am running to raise money for research of Ocular diseases that cause blindness related to Uveitis:
I woke early one morning at 19 years old, with severe pain in both eyes and unable to see. Many doctors and many failed attempts to control what was called inflammation of both my eyes, I decided to make the trip into Boston to meet an amazing team of Ocular physicians at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. These Physicians would spend hours at this first meeting examing and running tests, with an end result: Idiopathic Bilateral Uveitis.
These Ocular Physicians became like extended family over the years. Some months I would need to be seen 2-3 times a week, to closely monitor eye pressure, medications I was taking and checking my vision to ensure it was not decreasing. I recall the first time I reached a full month with out a flair up of the Uveitis in my eyes. An amazing goal, we had been trying to achieve for over a year and a half. The Ocular Immunology team of Physicians were excited. It truly was something to celebrate; I had never gone longer than a few days with out a flare up. My Uveitis was becoming under control with the use of oral and topical medication to the eye.
Years later I would sit with my Physician at MEEI, and have a heart to heart conversation. I wanted to have a baby and wanted off the medication that was saving my vision. The medications were not safe to be on while pregnant. He went over all the risks and possible options, but stressed the risk; I could loose my vision permanently. I told him, I understood. He smiled and said “well I guess we are going to have a baby and need to ensure you see that baby grow up”.
I have since had 3 beautiful boys, whom at times will ask why I am always staring at them. I am truly fortunate, I am able to see them growing up. There have been many bumps in the road over the last 18 years, to many to tell. At all times I had a great team of physicians on that road, navigated for me when needed, and giving me light to be where I am today.
I have been in remission/free of inflammation and flare ups of both eyes for almost 2 years and free of all medications. Something I, also never imagined and another goal achieved. I am not sure when the next inflammation flare up of my Uveitis will occur. With the help of the amazing and compassionate Ocular Immunology Physicians, their staff and the Ocular research done at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, I see today with very little residual damage.
And so, it seemed fitting if I was to run the Boston Marathon I would run for Team Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, to help raise money for research, that with out I would not see today. Thank you very much for supporting something very personal to me and many others with Ocular diseases that cause blindness! If you come to the marathon in April please wave, I will see you!
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Sincerely and extremely Thankful,
Tara Giardina