Sarah Ackerson
Gowen, MI

"My name is Sarah, I am 35yrs old and I have really bad eye sight. I have had glasses since the 4th grade and ever since then my eyes have been getting worse and worse. I have trouble driving and seeing in the dark and I have trouble seeing during the rain. If I wear glasses I don't have any peripheral vision. If I wear my contacts I have trouble seeing far away. My eye doctor told me the best thing fo r me would be lasik eye surgery. I have struggled with my eyesite for years. I would appreciate this opportunity."

Caterina Aldred
Hesperia , MI

I began wearing glasses at an eraly age. I was the eldest of four children and unfornataly the only one that had to wear glasses. I was known as a nerd in school because my single mother could only afford to get the lowest cost frames and lenses. My school pictures were embarrassing having large plastic frames. As I got older I just decided that I would always have to wear glasses. When I joined the military right after high school I was told that I have asigmatisms in both eyes. I lost hope in never wearing glasses again. I got selected to do the lasik correction from the military but before I could get it I was sent overseas. In Iraq I had difficulties wearing glasses I just found is easy to just sleep with them one because with all the danger around me I was afraid to be woken up and not be able to find them. I had military issued glasses which were the worst of all the ones I ever owned. They had large lenses because I wasn't qualified for the light weight ones. The frames were plastic and a horrible color. I struggled with glasses because the sand would scratch them. I returned from Iraq but because I had short amount of time left and I was to undergo two surgeries I wasn't told that I wouldn't be able to get the lasik. Now that I am out I work with disabled individuals and wearing glasses can become a problem. I can only afford one pair every two to three years and I no longer can get contacts because I can't afford them. When I am assiting individuals I work with in shower and such my glasses become fogged up and I find it difficult to see. Unfornatly I am one that can only see a few inches in front of me and if I can't wear them I get a headache from the blurry images. If I was chosen to get the custom blade-free lasik I would be grateful and could do my job and passionof assistanting other to the best of my ability. I also would love knowing that I can wake up with out fumbling around for glasses just to see across the room at my loved ones. From my experience I have found that you need time to stop and look around and with that I would love to see the world without the scratches on my year old or more glasses or even the blurred vision if I take them off but through crisp clear vision.

Angela Allan
bellmont, MI

"I would love to win free lasik because I have had 3 friends who have had it done and absolutely LOVED it! I have worn glasses for 16 years now and for about 13 or 14 of those years I have worn contacts and alternated them with my glasses. I currently have a 2 year old and wearing glasses is next to impossible when he is around, since he always tears them off my face. My insurance doesnt cover Lasik, and having the procedure is not currently in my budget. I would LOVE to be able to wake up in the middle of the night and see the alarm clock without squinting or standing 2 inches from it!! As I am typing this, my contact is irritating my eye and is making it hard for me to read what I am typing. :-) Maybe one day, I will have the gift of Lasik!"

megan altizer
Greenville, MI

I would like to nominate Barb Altizer a wife mother teacher Equestrian Team coach and 4-H horse leader. But she is more than that she's the perfect example of what dedication really is; she's the definition of over volunteering. Mrs. Altizer is a teacher at East Rockford Middle School where she teaches math and language arts to children in the sixth grade. This will be her 24th year of teaching and she enjoys every moment of it. She teaches on the Earth magnet where she takes her students on field trips like fishing snow shoeing and to recycling centers for learning about eco-friendly ways to help the environment. Her students have nothing but positive words to say about their great learning experiences with Mrs. Altizer. Barb is also the 4-H leader of the Barbed Wire and Roses 4-H club in Montcalm County. She shares not only her knowledge of horses but also her time and leadership skills to the families in the club. She schedules learning activities and seminars for the kids to attend as well as weekly horse practices in preparation for the 4-H fair. Not only is she a leader but she is also the vice president on the board of horse leaders where she shares ideas and helps make decisions in regard to the 4-H body at monthly meetings. When the 4-H season dies down after the fair Barb picks up on getting practices scheduled and middle school recruits ready for the Greenville High School Equestrian Team. She along with Duane Putnum and Amy Moran coach the 19 kids on the team. She spends her time helping the teens learn riding and showing skills getting the kids spread out into classes that will benefit the team with the most points at the meets and donating her time and energy to make the team successful. She does all of this while maintaining a family of three teenage daughters and her husband Jim. Everything she does is because she loves to do it. She is looked up to by more people than can be counted and she has influenced people of all ages. She is our hero and that is why she deserves this one little gift that we can give her. Thank you for considering my application. Megan Altizer"

Holly Anderson
Rockford, MI

I would deeply appreciate the gift of sight - Without visual limitations I could see things right. When my babies wake up sick in the middle of the night I could see them much more clearly to give them the care and love they need so dearly. Vision correction would even make every morning start more cheerilyâ?? Without contacts because of Custom Blade-Free LASIK having a few extra minutes in the morning would be fantastic as it could ease the rush so I won't be so spastic. Putting contacts in and giving them care takes precious moments that I cannot spare. So granting this procedure would be a gift beyond compare. Also when doing water sports I could keep my eyes open helping achieve the goal rather than just hoping. Clear vision would just make life all-around better coping. The expense is too much with my family's necessities and many other monetary priorities. So I'd love to be considered by Grand Rapids Ophthalmology to win a FREE LASIK procedure in order to go see it all clear! This is my story and it is sincereâ??

Jayna Anderson
Cedar Springs, MI

"Hi I am Jayna, I have a great husband, and 2 year old son! It would be great to have Lasik done, to not have to wear glasses or contacts again. I know everyone wishes that! I had a horriable thing happen to be early this year, I ended up in the hospital Jan. 31st and my family found out I might not make it. I had Arteriovenous Malformation or AVM. Somethin g that I was born with and did not know about it. I am doing pretty good since my brain surgery in March. I ended up having a stroke from having to have the surgery to remove it. I lost my right side movement, so I am still working on getting that back. My saying is 25 and Alive! So please vote for me and that will be another great gift :) The picture that I am using is my family pic 1 in1/2 month before this happened to me."

Judy Anderson
Middleville, MI

"I am a 53 year old mom of 2 children ages 12 and 14. There father has been working out-of-state for a year since he was unable to find one in Michigan. We have 2 mortgages and can't sell out home and decided it was best for the kids to remain in their school district T-K Schools. Before he started this job we did not have health/dental insurance and had not been do a doctor or dentist in years. I wear glasses all the time and I am currently realizing I'm having trouble seeing with them so it's probably time for a new eye glass prescription. When I was 9 years old I was hit by a car and have had to deal with scars on my face. With my kids being active in sports, etc. it would feel good for me to feel good about myself. I want them to feel proud of me, I don't want to be embarrased when I meet their friends/teachers, etc. Money, as with everyone has been a problem for us and this is not something I would not normally do for myself. My kids so the advertisement and said mom, if you didn't wear your glasses you would look so pretty. Well, dog on it, why not! Please consider me for this surgery. Thank you."

Nina Antcliff
Sheridan, MI

I am a married mother of four young kids and my plight for lasik surg. started about 8 years ago. I was going to go to Canada to have it done then a few weeks before I was suppose to go they realized my eye sight is so bad the cost was double what I had been told. I could not come up with the difference so I had to cancel and start saving again. While saving my husband and I found out we were going to have a baby. Which was great news but we lived in a terrible neighborhood in the city. We did not want our son to grow up with trou ble at our door so the saved money went to a fixer upper in the country. The short versions of the next few times we got the money together are....The second time we had the money to have it done in Michigan our roof started leaking. Money went to roof. The third time we found out after my second son that you have to go a year after nursing before you can have your eyes done by then my car died. Money went to car. Finally the fourth saved us my husband was laid off this year and without the saved money for lasik we would not have made the bills the last few months. I know someday my husband will find another job and we will get the money. I don't know if it will be before my eyes get so bad that I am no longer a candidate. My mother is legally blind and your eyes can only be so bad before you can not be helped. Every year my eye sight gets worse. I would love the freedom to swim with my kids camp and all the stuff my family does without having to worry about loosing or tearing a contact. Now that fear is worse since I have to make each pair last longer than they are meant to since we no longer have insurance. Your thoughts may be wear glasses! For reasons that I can not explain since I don't understand the doctor glasses regular or sunglasses give me headaches. I can't even wear baseball hats. This is the only hope I have of removing some of the stress from my husband. he feels he has let me down by not being able to do this for me. Please help my dreams come true and give me the gift of sight.

Denise Arney
Grandville, MI

I am A 57 year old woman. I have been wearing glasses since I was in the 6th grade.. I don't think I see as well as I should. I can't afford to haave LASIK surrgery. But I have wanted to try it.

Janis Arreola
Wyoming, MI

"Like many people in Michigan I lost my job last December. With Cobra payments taking almost half of our income, extras like new eye glasses or LASIK is not an option. My vision has greatly declined over the past year, making it difficult to fill out job applications. My teenage daughter reads the job ads in the GR Press because the print is too small for me to read. I worry that when I do get a j ob I will have problems completing daily tasks.Having LASIK would make my life much better. Thank you."

Joyce Austin
Rockford , MI

"I am a Wife, Mother and Grandmother (6 children and 8 grandchildren) who has been married for 35 yrs. I remember in High School how I walked around not being able to see faces of people who were at a distance or even to see the chalk board clearly because I did not feel that I looked good in glasses. I finally got over it; at least to the point where I would wear them but I have never fel t good or comfortable in glasses. I have a long, thin face and no matter what style I choose when I look in the mirror I just do not feel like any style fits me. I also have had life long issues with alergies and sinus pain. The pain is so intense sometimes on my face that I have to take my glasses off. Granted the styles and selection of glasses are so much better these days and I have met some people who actually look better in glasses, but I do not think I am one of them. I have tried contact lenses but they were not comfortable either. I had to buy special senstive eye solution and they were forever popping out and I felt them in my eyes. I do not think I am vain but my personal appearance is important to me as I am working in the real esate managment field and deal with people and social situations regularly. I am very goal oriented; I still attend college so I am forever learning and growing. I do not plan on retireing for many many years. My favorite saying is 'I a m not sure what I want to be when I grow up.' My family knows I have made many career and other changes over the years and I'm not done yet. I am always up for a challenge. This mind set came from many many years of struggling when the family was young. We have been on welfare and homeless but worked hard and long to bring us up from all that. Winning this contest would mean the world to me. It has taken much of our limited finances raising the family, helping 3 of our children through college and the other 3 through other life choices and difficulties. We are a very close family who still get together every Sunday for dinner.. We have to put two tables together for everyone to fit, but I know everyone has had at least one good meal a week and our grandkids feel part of something special. I heard that Lasik can be performed for those with stigmatism, far and near sighted now. What a miracile it would be not to have to wear glasses any longer. They make me feel tired a nd older when my heart is not old. Just to wake up in the morning, and take my shower,wash my face, put my makeup on, fix by hair, and smile at the lady in the mirror that feels better without them. I have always felt like I am a different person when I put those glasses on; not myself. Please help. It would be a beginning to another exciting chapter to the novel of my life. "

Diane Avink
Jenison, MI

"Hi, I am a 40 year old mother of two. Both of my kids have special needs, my 12yr old son has autism and ADHD, and my 9 yr old daughter has a heart defect and ADHD. My daughter is recovering from a heart surgery in August, I am thankful that she is doing well. Most of our money goes towards therapy bills for my son and other medical expenses. I have worn glasses since age 10 and contacts from age 16. My eye sight is terrible, nearly blind. I would love to have lasik eye surgery, but I can not afford it. I have been told by an optometrist that I would be a good canidate for this surgery. My eyesight has not changed in over 10 years, but now that I hit 40 years old I am afraid that it will get worst. My glasses are already really thick even with the ultra thin lenses, I do not like them and do not like the way I look in them. I wear contacts and they are comfortable for the most part, but I would love to not to have wear glasses or contacts. I do not do a lot for myself and would love to have this done for me. If I had this done it will help save me money on glasses and contacts. Please choose me for this wonderful prize a Gift of Sight. "

DEBORA AYMOR
Newaygo, MI

"I think I should be considered for Blade Free Lasik because of safety for my students. I am a school bus driver and the gift of good sight is very important in transporting my special cargo to school. I wear contacts and glasses for nearsightness. I can't afford the surgery and without good eyesight there is no way I could do my job. Thank you, Deb Aymor "

melissa ayotte
Alto, MI

"I recently looked into Lasik as an option to correct my vision. I have had very poor vision since I was about ten years old and I am 34 now. However, the cost is very prohibitive for me as a single parent working full time, and attending graduate school. The truth is though, this would be such a gift. It would make camping and swimming or boating with my son so mu ch easier. The surgery would also help with my yearly expenses, eliminating the cost of new glasses or contacts, as well as the cost of saline solution. It would be so beneficial to save the time and the money, both of which are very precious and rare for me. Thank you for considering me. "

marie baker
belmont, MI

I have had to wear glasses since I was about 13yrs old. At that time I was diganosed with having amblyopia. We were told this was due to meds my mom was on when pregnant for me. I always felt that i looked bad in glasses. Then when I was in my 20's i was also told that i had a stigmatism in my other eye. I have tried to get contacts but they willo cost me atleast 300.00. which as being a single mothe r of 3 thats been out of work for 3 yrs and now losing my vision insurance. im not even sure when i can go back for an exam. If im choice I will make the most out of it. And it would make my life a little easier. thanks for reading my story.

Michelle Baker
Greenville, MI

I am 38 years old. I had always had 20/20 vision until 17 years ago after having my first of two children. I got glasses then eventually contacts. After a while I would wear my contact day and night. I would take them out each morning after my shower clean them and put them back in. For years I rarely wore glasses only the contacts. I am a mortgage loan officer. When the economy started going bad I noticed my commission only income slipping down each year. From $64K to $40K to $20K and finally this year only $10k so far. As our income went down I had to sacrifice where I could. I ended up running out of contacts. I hate the feeling of glasses but had no other choice and ended up wearing them all of the time. As a gift to me my mother offered to pay for a contact exam and contacts for me. I have attemped to wear the contacts but after so many years of abuse my eyes just will not tolerate the contacts anymore. Within a hour of putting in a brand new pair my eyes go totally bloodshot get itchy and watery. I have always had a problem with anything on my head giving me a headache. Things like hairties barretts or glasses put some kind of pressure on my skull where I often get headaches starting at any minor pressure point. I would love to just be able to wake up and see again

JoDien Bamberg
Grand Rapids, MI

"I've already sent a short essay. I was told by family to send it all. So here goes. I am 53 years of age. I was a mother for 23 years. My son Robert was killed in a car accident Sept 5 2006. He had just graduated from UTI and was scheduled to start work at a mining company to be a diesle machanic and large epuipment also. The weekend before he died he told me he was looking for a girl friend to settle down and start a family. His funeral was hard but going through life without him is even harder. April of 2004 my father was admitted to the hospital and was very illl. He died once and came so very close a few times in the nest 9 months. I attended my mother and went to the hosptial almost daily. I drove Mother where ever she needed to go. We went to their house from time to time to tend to bills etc. It did not last as Mom had Dad come home and spend the rest of his life at home. The rehab dept. did what they could do and he was transferred to the nursing home portion of the hospital. Then Dad had to be transferred to a nursing home. This was the hardest thing I had to do thus far in my life. During all this time my sister-in-law became very ill. My brother Leendert was with her at Ann Arbor when she past away from an unknown cause. The day of Karen's funeral, Mother and I came home and my father died that night. II felt I had to take care of my parents and dro ve them to Indianapolis to the University hospital for diagnosis and treatment. I myself was begining to have health problems also. Since I lost my job in 2002 due to health related absenteizm. I have had both knees replaced, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, arthoritis in most joints, acid reflux, and sleep apnea. I also had coranary heart failure, and my heart is slow (I am on many meds). The Cardiologist placed a pacemaker/defibulator in my chest. About one month later one of the leads came loose and shocked me 37 times and caused me to have a small heart attack. Since I am sedentary I have gained a lot of weight. In 2007 I moved to Grand Rapids to be close to my Mom so we could be there for each other. That's it in a nut shell. As far as my eye sight I am very near sighted. I hope and pray that I am eligible to receive Lasik surgery this is something I have wished for,for a long time. I thank you ahead of time for your consideration."

Amy Bates
Kentwood, MI

"I have worn glasses since the age of 5 years old then switched to contacts at age 13. My vision was so poor as a child that I even wore a patch over one of my eyes at times to strengthen the other eye. I have never known what it is like to wake up and see the alarm clock in the morning! My glasses are so thick that if I sat in the sun too long I could probably start a forest fire with them ! :) I know that I am a good candidate for this surgery because my doctor has recomended it at each and every appointment. In my profession I determine eligibility for welfare programs. This entails meeting with clients who are often here as a last resort and have given up hope. They have nothing. Little or no income, no food, no medical insurance and often no place else to turn. Some are even homeless. I enjoy my job because I know that I am making a difference in the lives of so many others. I am a 33 year old mother/step-mother to five, one of whom has health issues. I give of myself to my family and my career making my wants and needs last on the list. Having LASIK surgery would be a luxury for me, one that I would only be able to have with an opportunity like this. "

Teresa Bauer
Muskegon, MI

I have worn glasses for about 38 years. I thought in the past that Lasik was an incredible move forward in eye care but how could the average person pay for the procedure. I haven't been able to consider doing it with the way things have been going in the state-economy wise. My husband's work place has layed off most of the employees and he had to take a pay cut. Lasik is a luxury and a dream at this point. Whomever is selected I am happy for them. If it be me I'd be in shock to say the least. But thrilled beyond comprehension. Thank you so much for the opportunity to enter this contest. Good luck to all

Susan Baxter
Grand Rapids, MI

Im submitting my story I have been wearing glasses since I was in fifth grade. That is only because my teacher told my mother that I wasn't a very good student (stupid) and also that I would never be able to read music to play an instrument that's one thing I always wanted to do I was very truamatized by this because 1 my teacher siad this in front of me so I could hear her and 2 it wasn't that I was stupid I just couldn't see. Thank goodness someone other than my teacher noticed that was having a hard time seeing a black board or read out of a book. When I got my glasses I could see... finally. But since a teacher (a person of authority back then) said I was stupid it must be so. Well I found I wasn't stupid just had a very bad insensitive teacher that should have never spoke that way about me especially in front of me. No I never learn how to read music I wish I had though. Well as years went on my eyes have been getting worst. I am 53 years old nowwould have liked to not have to wear glasses all the time and have tryed every kind of contacts but my eyes are to sensitive to wear them. I'm a tailor by trade and my eyes are getting worst every year. I just recently lost 84 lbs and thought how great would it be to take this second chance at life and go all the way by being able to see better too.That's why I'm entering. I know I couldn't afford it myself or would use the money for some other than on myself. Please consider my entry I know Im old but Im not dead yet.....LOL Sincerely Sue Baxter P.S. I know the story is alittle sad in the beginning but is happier toward the end you can make it an even happier ending.

Lupe Beam
Fennville, MI

"Every time I have an eye exam and have prescribed glasses, they seem to be ok for about a week. After that they seem like they're not of much use. I enjoy working in the yard and am a handy person, but my glasses don't help when it comes to close ups. I like looking at things (flowers, insects,etc.) up close or even at detail on some projects I'm working on and it's frustrating when I ca n't see it. Even when I get up close with my glasses. Some times I have to use a flash light to see things better even when it's day light out. Thank you very much...Lupe'"

Lindsay Bednarz
White Cloud, MI

"My name is Lindsay, I am 32 going on 33 years old. I have been wearing glasses/contacts since I was about 12. I go to the eye doctor every year and it seems that my vision get worse every year. I feel that eventually I will be casted as blind. My glasses are so thick that I can't wear them to drive because they prohibit me from seeing my perhipial vision and I don't feel safe wearin g them. When I wear my contacts I have other issues to worry about like allergies (then I can't see clear), they dry out too fast, I produce too much protein in my eyes so I constantly have to replace my contacts at least once per month, if not sooner. I have spent so much money over the past years buying glasses/contacts that I could have afforded to pay for surgery by now. I don't have the funding all at once to pay for the surgery, and I can't afford another monthly payment. I really wish that there was some way to get this surgery with the help from others. This is my only hope for being able to receive this surgery. I feel that if I had this surgery, I could do more things. Correct vision without glasses/contacts could help me be more active with my child, I wouldn't have to worry about ripping my contacts bringing extras everywhere I go, breaking my glasses, etc. Please choose me for this surgery, I feel that I am a great candidate for it and I think that I deserve it. Thank you!"

gloria beek
jenison, MI

"I have wor n GLASSES since 4th grade! I,m now 60 years old and still wearing glasses!I was called four eyes and teased when in grade school.And how many times did I hear :Boys don,t make passes to girls w/ glasses?I lost my job a year and a half ago,so now I,m w/o ins.New glasses will not be an option I,m afraid.Hence my entering your contest for lasik sugery.How wonderful it w ould be to NOT have to wear glasses anymore!I can not even imagine!And w/ no ins. I will not have to worry about my glasses breaking ,or my eyes needing a different pres.!! Please let me be the winner of your contest!"

Michele Beisel
Grand Rapids, MI

"I would be thrilled to have the chance to have Lasik surgery on my eyes. I have worn glasses for most of my life.............now in my 50th year, and have always wanted to be able to not have to wear my glasses every waking moment. Just to be able to play sports and not have to always be pushing the glasses up or wiping them off............to wear fashionable sunglasses at the beach...... .oh what a thrill that would be! Driving and being able to wear sunglasses would be a blessing too. I have tried many times to be fitted with contacts but have not been able to due to having a stygmatism in my eye. I was told they could not find any that would be workable for me. Please allow me the chance to experience life without glasses! Thank-you."

Heather Belanger
Portland, MI

Hello my name is Heather Belanger. I saw your commercial on Wood TV 8 that advertised a lasik surgery (http://seeitclear.com) contest and after some impressive research on your company I thought I would nominate myself. I am 33 years old and I have wore glasses since middle school. I am a first time mom (my son is 18 months old) a wife and I I also have a 6 year old step-son. I moved to Portland MI from Jackson MI in 2007 and fell in love with the area. The year 2007 is one I will never forget as it was the most life changing year of my life. I had a great job working for State Farm Insurance in the Jackson area with a tenure of 4 and a half years. It was also the year that I became very sick. In March of 2007 I was taken to the emergency room in Jackson with what I thought was the flu. After my first evaluation the doctors had determined that it was not the flu but they didn't know what was causing my illness. I was immediately sedated due to my heart was failing. About 45 minutes after arriving at the hospital I don't remember a thing. I woke up 6 days later at U of M hospital. The doctors still had no diagnosis for my illness. I had found out through family that I was airlifted from Allegiance Health in Jackson MI to the U of M hospital because my condition because so critical with having total heart failure along with multiple organs shutting down. Allegiance Health simply did not have the resources to care for my life threatening illness. After spending 2 weeks at the U of M the doctors determined that I had a tumor on my right adrenal gland that had caused the organ failures. They called it a Pheochromocytoma. In May of 2007 I had surgery to remove the tumor and now with a clean bill of health I have a new chance at life. But the worries didn't stop there. Unfortunately at the time I was admitted I didn't have any health insurance. Ironically being that I worked for an insurance company. I lost my job in October of that same year and have had no luck finding a job to this day. The U of M wrote off the entire bill of more than $144000 and planned on publishing my story in the American Medical Journal but Allegiance Health did not make such an offer. Since we are a one income family paying that back has been stressful but I thank god everyday for my health and my family. I have always been interested in Lasik surgery but we just don't have the means to pay for such a luxury. It sure would be nice to get up with my son in the middle of the night without having to put on my glasses first to take care of him. Thank you for for letting me share my story and I thank you for the opportunity and your consideration. Sincerely Heather Belanger

Leeann Belke
Jenison, MI

I am writing because I would like to be considered for the gift of sight. Do I deserve it? Maybe I do maybe I don't. It would however make a significant impact on my life to be able to see clearly without the use of contacts or glasses. I started wearing glasses when I was a senior in high school. I didn't realize until then how much my eyesight had changed. Suddenly everything was defined! Within a year or two I was attempting to wear gas permeable contact lenses. Comfort has always been a troublesome issue as my eyes do not seem to tear or lubricate a lot and dryness was a battle. I eventually changed to soft lenses. The year 2004 was a significant year for me in terms of eyesight options and life changes. In February of 2004 I was blessed with the gift of a beautiful baby girl that has genetic and medical issues. Her name is Sara Hope. Sara was in the neo-natal unit at DeVos Children's Hospital from birth. Sara's medical problems became life threatening and for months her life was touch and go with many unknowns and little hope for survival. I spent hours each day in the hospital and again dryness became a problem for me. At that same time my options in eyesight correction changed. I tried wearing extended wear contacts. I was told that those contacts were a hit with hospital staff that are constantly in that dry environment. I was so thankful to have them. The contacts were very comfortable and while dryness was still an issue at times it was not as severe. With their easier care these contact made things so much better for me as I was trying to keep up with my other four children spouse and home during that time. Any one less thing that I needed to worry about or keep track of was great in my book!In February 2005 Sara was discharged from the Neonatal unit on her 369th day of life. Because of her medical issues (including a feeding tube a tracheotomy and her need for a ventilator) we have had nurses to help on many - but not all nights. This continues today. With her significant improvement in her health and the progress she has made we do not have as much nursing aid as previously and we have fewer nights with help. This is progress and a good thing but it does impact me. On nights without nursing I need to frequently get up to care for her and look frequently at her pulse-ox oxygen saturation monitor. This requires good functioning eyesight immediately! I leave my contacts in while sleeping so that I can see her monitors; however my eyesight is usually blurry because of dryness. Seasonal allergies which have gotten worse as I have aged have also affected my success with contacts. My eyes are dryer and frequently irritated with contacts.At this time we are very hopeful that soon we will again have a significant change. Sara has continued to make progress and has been off the ventilator for a year and a half. We are hopeful that in the spring of 2010 Sara will no longer have the need for her tracheotomy. When this happens we will no longer have nursing help yet she will still need to receive oxygen at night and be hooked up to her food pump and a pulse oximeter. Nightly I will need to get up to care for her and frequently check the equipment readings. Eyesight on demand will continue to be an issue for me. Financially due to unemployment/underemployment Lasik at my expense is not an option.A big story for a little problem but I wanted you to understand why I would love to receive Lasik eye correction. It would make such a significant impact on my life to be able to see Sara's oxygen saturation levels without groping for glasses or having irritated eyes due to dryness and sticking contacts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration.

brenda bell
trufant, MI

"About 10 years ago i got a corneal ulser in my right eye, it really messed with my vision. It seems every year when i go back to the eye docters my vision gets worse, my glasses get thicker, and it gets more and more expensive. IT Hinders alot of things that i do. For example i dont go swimming with my children because i cant see with out my glasses, i love to hunt but sometimes its hard to get focused in the scope to see, and i ride motorcycle but having to take off my glasses before i put on my helmet and then put them back on when i get the helmet on really messes with the glasses. I'll never be able to wear contacts because of the damage the corneal usler did to my eye. So lasik is the last resort for me. thank you for taking time to read this and may god bless you. "

Doug Bellgardt
Byron Center, MI

"I am 61 years old and have worn glasses since I was 4 years old. They were the the kind refered to as "Coke Bottle" lenses, so I had to put up with alot while growing up. I have had to put up with many layoffs because I work in the aoto industry and my insurance does not cover this procedure so I would never be able to afford this myself. I don't know if I am a candidate for thi s, but would love to get rid of my glasses for ever."

Lynn Bender
Zeeland, MI

"I would so love the opportunity so my family and friends will quit harassing me and calling me a chicken because I'm 38 years old and still keep putting it off. I would like to consider myself a risk taker, a thrill seeker and not afriad to conquer most things but I've always put this off and more and more of my close friends and family have sworn by it but when it comes to budget cuts in our family that's typically the one to get thrown to the curb. So we simply say someday when and if we could ever afford it I'd love to get done so I can quit wearing contacts. I've had contacts and glasses since I was 15 years old and I'm very athletic, I am a part time tennis teaching professional, I play tennis and am very active and quite frankly I get so frustrated when I lose my contacts up in my eyes and I have to try and dig it out, sometimes they rip and tear and cause me irritation so then I have to wear my glasses while I teach and that's even more frustrating to be sweating and running and have to wear glasses which I really hate to wear. I am also a part time Holland City police reserve officer which took a lot of bravery and guts to do on my part if I can challenge myself to put myself through that because I was determined to do it, I honestly feel that I am ready to handle the lasic eye surgery and have it done so I don 't have to wear contacts and take them in and out every night or wear glasses as my back up. I truly hope you would consider me a candidate for this surgery, I'm ready to do it! "

Victor Bennett
Grand Rapids, MI

"Hi. My Name is Victor Bennett, and I don't believe that I 'deserve' this wonderful gift any more than the next person. I am just a hard working guy trying to make ends meet the best I can, and work at my job is really starting to slow down right now, so those ends are going to get increasingly harder to pull together. I wear contacts and have glasses as well. Anyone who has these knows the expense, as every year, the script changes and new lenses need to be purchased. It would be really nice to at least have that off of the load! I am in the Heating/AIr Conditioning/Refridgeration business, and my eye sight is very important, there are small parts to handle, cracks to find, etc...Thank you for this opportunity, to win something like this would be a dream, because in my reality, it would not be a possibility."

Cathy Bergereon
Rockford, MI

"I would love to be selected for free laser eye surgery because when I was 9 I was held back in 3rd grade. It wasn't until the following year that my parents finally had my eyes checked and realized I needed glasses. If being held back wasn't embassing enough, we never had much money growing up so I only got to pick from about 12 frames and trust me when I tell you they were not pretty. I am 3 6 now but back then it wasn't popular to wear glassses. Kids were very mean. I spent years hoping to get contacts and when I became a adult I finally got them. The problem was that I have a stigmastium ( not spelled right) making it hard to see if my contact rotated. Believe me when I say your contacts rotate often. I finally came to terms with the fact that I would always see better with glasses.As an adult I could get whatever frame I would like but what I would love the most is to throw my glasses away forever. I couldn't emagine being able to see without glasses. I would love to be able to be able to see the alarm clock at night and never have to worry about my glasses fogging up in the winter. And to being able to pick any pair of suglasses would be so fun. I hope someday all of these things will come true. Laser surgery is something I can only dream of having done someday. But for now my husband and I are raising 4 daughters and their need will come before mine own ."

Jo Anna Berry
Rothbury, MI

"I believe that I would be a great canidate for this due to the fact that I have many times looked into this and wanted the surgery but couldn't get insurrance to pay for it and the cost was just too much for my budget. I have worn glasses since I was 9 years old, I am now 33 and already have the two little indents in my nose that glasses leave behind. Imagine what they will look like when I a m 50. I I have two little children, who love to hug and wrestle and mommy is always saying,' just a second I have to take off my glasses.' I am a very active person and often find that my glasses get in the way of the sports and different recreation things that I want to enjoy with my family. I would just love to wake up and not have to put those glasses on and still be able to see across the room. I could go on and on about the benefits of a a young mother, teacher and wife getting this operation but I will leave it at the the thought that maybe one day I could go with out glasses and not have a splitting headache at the end of the day. Thanks for your consideration. "

Raychel Berry
Whitehall, MI

"As Mom of six children in a blended family I rarely do anything for myself. We have four children that live with us full time and two that live with their mother. I have no problem going with out things like new clothes or hair cuts on their behalf. I would just continue on wearing glasses but since this contest will in no way take away from my family, here I am. I have wanted contacts for years but there is always something else that I need to buy for our family that keeps me from getting them. I hate they way I look in glasses and sometimes I try to do without them if we are going somewhere special. I know its vain but I just feel better about myself when I don't have to wear them. I decided to enter this contest when I saw the deadline was October 3rd (my birthday), something told me to give it a shot.I am sure there are alot of deserving people out there , times are hard for all of us no matter how big your famillyy might be. Thanks for giving me a chance."

Carmen Besemer
belmont, MI

"Hello, my name is Carmen and I am 30 years old. I have been a glasses/contact wearer for over 20 years and have always dreamed of having Lasik sergury!! In the past I have tried to save money for the procedure but, due to my current financial situation, I have had to spend the money. My husband passed away and I am trying to raise my 9 years old son on a now very limited income. I have hobbies that help to bring in additional income but, have not been able to do them because I can not see to sew or knit very well due to the fact that I need new glasses or contacts but, can not afford them. This would be a dream come true!!!!! Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration!"

Duane Blakeslee
Wyoming, MI

"I would really love to have my vision corrected, my legs were crushed in a car accident a while back.. As a result income has been hard to come by, I love to swim for exercise as most other forms are hard or impossible to do and wearing glasses or going 'blind' is no fun at all in a pool. The glasses I have now are getting old and not quite to my prescription and optical insurance no longer covers gla sses. Having restored gift of sight would be a true blessing."

Roslyn Boone
Zeeland, MI

When I was about 13 years old my father took me to an eye seminar to learn about RK and lasik. At this time lasik was very new and my father decided to get the RK surgery done. Since that day I have always wanted to get it done. Now why do I feel I deserve to be considered for free LASIK? I am 26 years old I have three children and a wonderful husband. After three long years my husband and I both just finished our masters degree. I received my masters in social work and am currently working for a nonprofit agency doing a job I love but unfortuantly it does not pay much. I am such a hard worker and can not afford to get the LASIK done. I have had problems with my contacts because I can't seem to find the right pair for me. My husband constantly stresses about money and I often feel guilty when it comes time to buy contacts although he would never want me to feel that way. My husband supported me so much while I was getting my bachelors and my masters and continues to support me in helping me to pay off student loan debt. This would take a huge stresser off of us. Thank you for considering me.

kristine bosley
IONIA, MI

I really would like to have the lasik surgery. I cannot wear contacts and i have worn glasses for over thirty years. I would appreciate the ability to see the world with nothing over my eyes.

lisa bosworth
muskegon, MI

"This surgery is for my beautiful 18 year old daughter who graduated from high school with honors in 2009. My daughter began wearing contacts in early 9th grade 2005 to also improve her unique beautiful brown eyes along with her singing voice. Now as a professional singer for local events such as singing for the Muskegon Fury several times, glasses just don't fit in with her beautiful model and singing voice- Here is the rest of the story. In early 10th grade she began to get severe eye infections from the contact solution. One was recalled. She had to go back to glassesforo several weeks and tried contacts again as she had a huge event at the FRAUENTHAL THEATRE to sing in front of a packed house. Well, after 1 full year of chronic severe eye infections and several visits to specialists. She was told by Dr. Mary Fisher and the Shoreline Opthamology Staff in Muskegon, She would never be able to wear contacts again due to corneal scarring and is a perfect candidate for laser surgery. I am her mom, a single mom struggling to pay for this surgery. In 2008 I was severley injured by a student who smashed a globe on my head and cracked my skull. I just went back to work for the first time on 9/14/2009. I have been off work for almost 19 months and am now back at my school job. My oldest daughter here deserves this surgery so bad, I want it for her with a ll my heart, mind and soul put in for her. She has an opportunity with this surgery to reach out and sing praises to others in song that she no longer has to use her glasses because of the infections of her contacts.If she would win this surgery I would be definitely promoting the gift of bring ing back her self- esteem and her precious smile that goes with it. Thank you so much for letting us enter your contest."

Christine Boyd
grandville, MI

"First of all, I would sincerely like to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I have considered this type of surgery for years but have never had the opportunity to experience it. Let me share my story...At the age of 12 I was diagnosed with hereditary nearsightedness and astigmatism; I turned 40 a couple months ago...28 years of relying on glasses or contacts. I also the single mo ther of a young girl, the light of my life, who has already been forced to wear glasses for five of her nine years of life. My daughter was an unplanned gift born a few days after my 31st birthday. When I became pregnant, I was working as an over-the-road cross-country truck driver, which is a good-paying job but obviously not maintainable while raising a young child on my own. After her birth, I was inspired to finish my bachelors degree, which I had started immediately after high school but been forced to give up on due to financial difficulties. While working on my degree, I worked in a grocery store, working my way from cashier to shift manager/office assistant over the course of four years, a job which was stable but low-paying and offering no medical insurance. We later relocated from the Big Rapids area to the Grand Rapids area so I could pursue my masters degree at GVSU. Once again I am working at a job that offers no medical benefits, forced to drop out of college d ue to a medical condition that cannot be treated properly because of no medical coverage. My daughter and I both need eye exams and new glasses/contacts, which I cannot afford to provide right now. It would be wonderful for both of us to be able to see clearly all day every day! Please consider us for this gift. Thank you for reading my story."

JENNIFER BOYDSTON
Alto, MI

"I recently left my husband and am filing for divorce . Domestic violence was the issue and although many women don't leave these situations, i somehow found the strength to get away with a lot of support from family and friends. I have been left with little self esteem and need help to turn my life around and start over. i have always been self conscious about ha ving to wear glasses! I feel very unattractive because of what I went through and if I could have help with my looks it would be a great first start to regaining some confidence and self esteem Therefore would you please consider me for the free lasik surgery I would be so grateful!"

susan brauer
belding, MI

Im 49 years old and a mother of two. I have worn glasses since third grade. I would love to be able to have lasik. I work as a cook in a kitchen in Ionia. We make meals for homebound seniors and deliver them to their home.When I use the steamer in the kitchen my glasses get all steamed up. I'm always having to take my glasses off and wipe them offso I can see. The same happens when I go into the walk in freezer only they fog up. It would be great to be able to see when I wake up in the morninginstead of feeling for my glasses on my nightstand. My family of four also have vision needsso it's too expensive to afford this procedure . My husband encouraged me to enterbecause he says I am always putting myself last. This would also be a great birthday present for me as i will be turning 50 at the end of October. Sincerely.Susan.

Jeffrey Brennan
Sheridan, MI

"I am writing to share a story of a very wonderful husband. My husband Brennan is one of the most deserving people in my life. Brennan works very hard to take care of his family and puts himself last in order to make sure we are all taken care of. He is currently working full time at a local company that has been hit hard by the economy and has laid off many people. In May, the work load increased but with less people working Brennan began working about 10-15 hours overtime a week without compensation. We are grateful he has a job to support our family but many people do not look at the other side of all of the current layoffs. Brennan rarely complains about his job but has missed many opportunities this summer with his friends and family. Giving him this gift would mean the world to us. We have talked about Lasik for many years but have financially not been able to afford the procedure. He has been told he is a perfect candidate for it as well. The glasses he currently wears are 4-5 years old and with three kids and a tight budget even getting new glasses seems to be a burden. Please consider my husband for the Lasik procedure. It would be such an honor to be part of giving him something special and well deserved"

Jamie Brewer
Muskegon, MI

I have been wearing glasses since I was in second grade. I am now 53 years old. For 25 years I wore hard and gas perm contact lens. Until my eyes became to dry to wear them any longer. I always have wanted to be able to wake up in the morning and see what time it was on the alarm clock without putting on my glasses. Swimming has always been something I have enjoyed doing and I would love to be able to swim without glasses on. I am unable to Identify the people I am with in a lake or pool if I take my glasses off. My ultimate dream is go snorkling someday and actually see the beautiful fish and coral. I haven't been able to do this since I no longer cannot wear contact lens.IIt would be a dream come true if I could actually be free from glasses after all these years.

Emily Briggs
Rockford, MI

"I never thought a question I asked my mom as a fifth-grader would forever change my life. We were driving home from my grandmother's and out of curiosity I was trying to read the street signs with one eye at a time. I noticed that I could barely read the signs when I closed my right eye, which prompted my life changing question, 'Why can't I see out of my left eye?' At first my parents didn't thin k much of it, and figured I was exaggerating because I had gone 10 years without any vision issues. After a couple weeks they took me to my family doctor because I was quite concerned that I wasn't able to see clearly out of my left eye. From there, my journey through glasses and contacts began. It was discovered that I was farsighted, but only in my left eye. Nobody had noticed this in the past because my right eye would work harder to compensate for the poor vision in my left eye. I got my first pair of glasses and hated how the left lens was so much thicker than the right, making it look like my left eye was magnified. Finally around the end of sixth grade my parents caved and allowed me to get contact lenses. Since then I have switched brands of contacts about once a year. For some reason, my eyes don't breathe well in contacts and I am constantly getting infections and pain in my eyes. I have used many different kinds of eye drops, including those with ster oids in them. For years I have suffered from horrible eye 'goop' in my left eye that is a result of the lack of oxygen it receives when I wear my contacts. I feel that I should be considered for the free Custom Blade-Free LASIK, because of the many problems I have had in the past. I will lose my insurance under my parents at the end of February 2010, and will have to pay at least $300 a year in contacts alone. I also visit the eye doctor at least three times a year because of the many infections and other problems I have, and will have to pay for those visits out-of-pocket as well. I wear my glasses about 50% of the time, but would love to be both contact lens and glasses free. The LASIK surgery would forever change my life, and be a greatly appreciated gift to help make my life easier with less worry about my chronic eye problems. Thank you very much for reading my essay and considering me as a candidate."

Adam Brink
Holland, MI

"Hello, My name is Dawn Brink. I heard about you on Channel 13 this morning. I'm writing about my son Adam. He is 24 years old. He has been in glasses since he's been in grade school. Adam is a special individual who deserves this surgery. We would love to give the gift to him but he's been in college for the past Four years. He has now entered grad school at G.V.S.U and plans to be a School Socia l Worker. His love is working with the Special needs population. This past summer he lived with a brain injured man who has just lost his Dad due to cancer and his mom is dealing with breast cancer. He also does respite for another special needs young man. Adam also has volunteered for the Special Ed Ministries program for several years. He puts his energy into others instead of himself. Adam is near sided and the last time he did get his eyes check he was told he'd be the perfect canidate for the procedure. We just cannot afford to give this to him but he is very deserving for this. He is a runner so glasses do get in his way and it would be a blessing for him to have this procedure. Whoever does get this gift is going to be very lucky. Thank-you for considering Adam but whoever you do choose thank-you for giving one perosn the chance to be free of glasses. Have a wonderful day!! "

Brittany Bronsink
Rockford, MI

"I have not been in glasses my entire life. Kids on the playground did not pick on me nor call me names like 'four eyes'. I found out I needed glasses when I was in 8th grade. I was already 13 years old. My world changed dramatically with the gift of clearer vision. Being told I was legally blind was not something my mother or I expected while at my first eye appointment. What was even more amazing to me was the next year my vision decreased even further. I was no longer able to function without glasses or contact lenses. I feel restricted by my blurry vision. When I wake up in the morning I am unable to make breakfast or even read without my glasses. Also, I am an athlete who enjoys aerobic exercise such as running and kickboxing. Wearing glasses during these exercises is nearly impossible. I wish I were able to exercise without worrying about my glasses falling off or my contacts drying up. Currently, I am a senior in college looking forward to graduating in May. As I look to starting an independent life in our current job market, the last thing I want to worry about is my vision. Currently, my parents do not have vision insurance, but have been generous enough to help me with my bills while I am in school. I am concerned that if I cannot find a job right away, I may not be able to afford contacts and be stuc k with outdated glasses. I have been told I am a good candidate for the Lasik procedure. The last three eye exams have been consistent showing no changes in my vision. While I have only been wearing my glasses for eight years, I do not want to imagine wearing corrective lenses for the rest of my life. I know I am going to face many challenges as I graduate from college, I just hope my vision will not be one I need to worry about. Having the Lasik procedure would ensure that my sight will be clear forever, even if my future is still up in the air."

Pamela Brooks
Morley, MI

"I would like to be considered for the procedure. I drive a school bus for a living and currently wear contact lenses. I have been driving for our school district in Howard City Michigan for 13 years and love my job and the kids. I am a kid at heart myself and would like for my eyesight to be that of a young kid again. I don't have eye insurance or dental, just basic health for which I pay for and don't have the extra for the cost of this kind of procedure. Contacts cost enough as do the eye exams every year. It would be very nice to wake up in the morning and be able to see without the help of corrective lenses and to see my kids without corrective lenses as well as the roads in the different kinds of weather I deal with on a day to day basis. Please consider me for the procedure as it would be very beneficial to my health and my career."

Theresa Brooks
Ionia, MI

"I am a single mom with a 5 year old. I don't like to wear glasses since it bothers my sinus plus having all year round allergies. I am on a fixed budget. It would be nice to be able to wake up in the morning and see everything clear and not have to go into the bathroom to put my contact on. Contacts are not cheap and would help me out alot, plus the money i save on buying contacts, i can pu t to buying food and paying my bills or to my son."

Linda Brooms
Sheridan, MI

"I think I deserve this because I have a couple of people depending on me and my eye sight. I take care of my seventeen year old daughter that has cerebral palsy,she is in a wheelchair,and is totally dependent on me. I also look after my mother that also lives with us. She has diabetes,begining altzheimers,and bouts of dementia. They depend on me to get them the medical help & everyday things . I very seldom do for myself they pretty much come first. My hair gets cut maybe once a year. The most important thing is my sight right now is getting worse and we don't have the money to pay. Insurance won't cover it. Being able to see without glasses again possibly would be a part of me that i would feel better about myself. Please consider me! Thank You!"

Kerry Brown
Paw Paw, MI

"My life changed dramatically upon the arrival of my first and only daughter Brooke obviously the happiest occasion in my life. It was a very stressful birth due to she was 2 1/2 months early weighing in at 2 lbs upon birth and at this time after her birth my own health was declining and no one knew...why? First my waist on down to my feet went numb and tingling and they kept trying to t ie it to my daughters birth but since I had nothing medication wise when she was born it was a natural birth that idea was finally not an option. Needless to say I went to many doctors including specialist, neurologist etc....and really STILL NO ANSWER and my daugher was born in 2002 and this was 2003 a year later. I could hardly move some days and still my legs had not much feeling...I was exhausted physically and mentally..plus taking care of a baby whom did not come home intially in good health. Finally one of the neurologist I had went to did an MRI and spotted a lesion on my brain and said and I quote "It is suspicious of possibly being Multiple Sclerosis, but he did not call it although my family doctor called me that same year on my birthday and had also read this MRI and told me I had MS but of course I needed a "neurologist" to diagnose it which he DID NOT! Okay well what do ya do life goes on with finally an answer to what I might have. I do need to tell you before I begin to this next episode that prior to all of this starting in 7th grade that according to my eye doctor I am "legallly blinde" without my contacts/glasses I cannot afford both so I prefer doing contacts but during my medical treatments and my MS attacks its sometimes makes it very hard to wear them. I was FINALLY diagnosed in 2005 upon my second attack which left a huge lesion right in the middle of my visial field on my brain thus losinig some of my vision at this point but after my steroid treatments my regular not so great vision anyways came back to my normal except for I have hardly no pheripheral vison I see on my doctors notes optic neuritis basically tunnel vision. Every single MS attack has taken something from me and everytime I have a flare up it seems to go after my vision and being since I had to chose to afford glasses or contacts I many times go around without being able to see and although I do just that iit makes it extremely hard because I have a 7 year old little girl to take care of and to be a mom regardless what I am going thru physically. I have looked into lasik but the costs stopped me and even though I have not had an intial consultation although was told by my eye doctor whom is Dr. Prater from Kalamazoo Ophthamology I would be a prime candidate due to I am near sighted but just period could not afford the consultation with Dr. Trittshu and of course even if it was an option obviously could never afford the operation. My eye doctor knows of my chronic disease so I am assuming lasik would not affect that but yet make my already challenging life a little easier. I am sure others have valid and heartfelt reason for entering and in the hopes of winning something that they would not normally think of doing and for me it is the costs but to win this would change my world dramatically and bring to me a sense of ease and almost like a new beginning that I have gained a little control of something for mysel f since with MS I do not have any control of when it attacks or what it decides to go after. I would be extremely grateful and thank you for the opportunity of sharing my story and try to explain why I feel I should be considered for rare opportunity. "