Blind mom dreams of seeing youngest child

In January, Kimoly Robinson's seven-year-old daughter was hit by a truck as she walked home from school.

As her daughter writhed in pain, Robinson's heart broke, knowing she could not see the extent of the injuries.

"It was hard just not being able to see her," said the 41-year-old.

Robinson lost her sight nearly a decade ago and has never laid eyes on her youngest of five children. She told THE STAR that when her little girl cried out for attention and comfort, she felt helpless.

"She was crying for her mommy and was saying 'Look here suh, touch here suh', and I couldn't see where she was talking. That hurt me to my core. It really break me," Robinson said.

The child suffered a fractured skull from the incident, but is expected to make a full recovery. Robinson is hoping for a mini miracle of sorts. She lived a normal life until about 18 years old when her sight began failing.

"I went to my bed okay, and when I woke up my eyes were painful. The doctor said I had an eye infection and was given eye drops but that didn't work. I was still feeling pain," she said.

A consultation at the Kingston Public Hospital's eye clinic revealed that she had severe uveitis, an inflammation of the eye.

By age 19, Robinson had suffered total vision loss, but thanks to surgery, she was able to regain partial sight in one eye. Over the years, however, her vision has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer see. Still, there is a possibility she could regain sight in one eye - but it comes at a steep cost: almost US$20,000 (approximately J$3.2 million).

Additional expenses could push the total even higher, forcing Robinson to dig deeper into already empty pockets.

Left with limited options, she is reaching out to the public for financial assistance to undergo a cornea transplant surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Florida.

An instalment of approximately US$10,000 (approximately J$1.6 million) is required in order for the process to begin.

"I am running out of time to save my left eye and the sooner I get the operation done is the better my chances are at seeing," she said.

"It's been a while, and if I don't do this surgery soon, I may lose the chance of ever seeing my daughter," she said.

A campaign created on the crowd-funding website, Real Helping Hands, has only managed to raise US$300 out of the US$40,000 goal.

"While the surgery will be about US$20,000 there are going to be additional expenses as someone will have to travel with me and we have to think about airfare and hotel accommodation as I really don't know anyone in Florida," she said.

Robinson currently provides for herself and her family through a small chicken rearing business in her community of Parry Town, St Ann. She anticipates being able to do more with her life with a successful operation.

"I am looking forward to the day when I will be able to see again. I want to regain my full independence," she said.

Persons wishing to assist Kimoly Robinson may contact her at 876-851-6354.