Dancing Through Life: A Journey Back to Sight
Blinded in a horrific accident at work, Mass. Eye and Ear patient Wayne Vinson traveled to Boston earlier this week to share his journey to regaining his vision at our annual Founders' Day celebration.
Archive for Patient Stories
Two Months After Gene Therapy, Jack Sees Brighter, More Clearly
Jack was born with an eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa associated with RPE65 gene mutations. On March 20, 2018, he was treated with a newly FDA-approved gene therapy drug known as Luxturna — and the results are life-changing.
Smile On
Six years ago, a brutal attack left Melissa Dohme Hill near death — and impaired her beautiful smile. In this guest post on Focus, she beams with gratitude for her physician, who brought a smile back to her paralyzed face.
Overcoming Hair Loss
When Brenda Mottram began losing her hair to female pattern baldness, she turned to Mass. Eye and Ear for life-changing hair restoration surgery.
Regaining Independence Through Low Vision Rehab
A non-cancerous brain tumor brought Mary Bolger irreversible (and uncorrectable) vision loss. Through vision rehabilitation, Mary has regained her independence.
She Lost Her Vision in One Eye to Glaucoma. Doctors Raced to Save the Other.
Diagnosed with a rare form of glaucoma at age 15, Alex LeClair reflects on her journey with the sight-stealing condition.
A Voice Saved
When Abby was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 15, she worried that surgery to remove her thyroid gland may destroy her greatest gift — her singing voice.
Lending an Ear
Shawn was born with microtia, also known as “little ear,” on his left side. In August, he had life-changing ear reconstructive surgery at Mass. Eye and Ear.
Hyperacusis: When Normal, Everyday Sounds Are Painful
Tom Maholchic was just 25-years-old when a loud event brought on hyperacusis with pain, a debilitating condition in which everyday noises are agony.
Playing by Ear
Facing a middle ear condition and in need of surgical care to save his hearing, Clay Cook of Zac Brown Band turned to Mass. Eye and Ear otologist Dr. Michael McKenna.
Tinnitus: An invisible battle
CEO of Halen Brands and a trustee of Mass. Eye and Ear, Jason Cohen was diagnosed with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) after a bad fall while skiing. He relies on endless support from his family and his doctors, and hopes to help Mass. Eye and Ear make a difference one day.
Tackling Stevens Johnson Syndrome
When Katie Niemeyer was 16 years old, she had an extreme reaction to a new medication — leading to a diagnosis of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Within days, she was hospitalized with second and third degree burns covering her entire body and given only a 50 percent chance to live. Today, she supports Mass. Eye and Ear research to tackle the devastating disease.
