Glaucoma Research Foundation

A Note from Christopher's Sister

The end of the year is only days away and thanks are very much due to all those who have donated in the name of the Wilmoth Family Challenge. I was checking out the blog for the challenge and I was touched by all those who donated. Thank you so much! Christopher has no idea how many people care about glaucoma, considering he hasn’t seen the blog. I recently saw this proverb, “Little showers fill the river” and I think that this completely describes the Wilmoth Family Challenge. This shows that little deeds can lead to great things. Tess and I were just doing what we wanted to do, help our little brother, and look, look at how big the difference is now.

My family is so grateful for all of you and we are hoping that this year, we have taken another big step towards the cure of this disease. Happy New Year!

-Cate Wilmoth

Andrew Iwach is my doctor...

My son, Bill (Mason’s Dad) told me about Chris, Mason’s classmate.

I was diagnosed with glaucoma 27 years ago at the age of 38. I was lucky enough to live in the New York metropolitan area from that time until I relocated to San Francisco in 2002. I mention this because I believe I would be without sight if I hadn’t had access to the very best medical men in the field of glaucoma since then. My main doctor and untiring advocate for me was Dr. Max Forbes of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC. Thanks to him we tried all existing meds, laser surgeries, trabeculectomies in both eyes, shunts in both eyes and since my arrival in San Francisco (2002), thanks to the ceaseless efforts of Dr. Andrew Iwach and his periodic laser strategies I am still a sighted person.

As you well know by now, there’s so much that we don’t know about glaucoma. My case apparently has been very aggressive. Other people, like my Mom, are diagnosed late in life (75), and have been successfully treated with eye drop medications since then. She’ll be 90 in March, 2009 and completely sighted. On the other hand, my doctors have warned me almost since the time of my diagnosis that my siblings, off spring and cousins could run the risk of aggressive glaucoma similar to my own.

So far my only sibling who is 57 is glaucoma free. My son, Bill (my only child), is seen and tested annually or bi-annually by Dr. Iwach, who watches very carefully for any signs of the onset of glaucoma. So far, thank God and Dr. Iwach, he is also glaucoma free.

I don’t know much about Chris, other than he’s that kid playing ball with my grandson Mason, which of course is a blessing in itself. You are right to do all that you can to foster glaucoma research and we as a family want you to know that we will support you in every way. Not knowing any details, I pray for the same thing that I pray for myself for Chris and that is stability with this disease. With a little bit of luck and hard work, maybe by the time Chris graduates from high school there will be treatments in place to regain any eyesight he has lost.

My best to all of you. We’re always here.

Barbara Reilly
San Francisco

Wilmoth Family Reply

Thank you for contacting us. We discover daily that glaucoma reaches into so many lives. Christopher is also a patient of Dr. Andrew Iwach, and like so many others we are grateful to for his amazing care.

We’d like to share with you how we began this journey with Christopher. Initially, we took Chris to Susan Day, MD at California Pacific Medical Center. After examining Chris, she immediately referred us to Dr. Iwach. Imagine our anxiety when we were told that our precious seven-month-old would need immediate eye surgery. Dr. Iwach was incredible, walking us through what would and needed to happen. Over the years, he has been incredible and terrific with us.

Did you know that Dr. Iwach is one of several dedicated ophthalmologists on the Glaucoma Research Foundation Board of Directors? He takes such a deep personal interest in his patients. Last year when Christopher had an episode when he couldn’t see, Andrew spent over twenty-four hours attempting to reach us from Korea where he was traveling. We hear this about many of the doctors on the GRF board.

Our family believes in GRF and draws a good deal of hope from the kind of innovative research they are able to fund thanks to the generosity of their good friends across the country. Let’s do all we can to help them reach that goal of finding a cure for glaucoma.

- Cathy Wilmoth

Wilmoth Family Challenge inspires all

Cathy and Charlie,

The response to your challenge gift is very heartwarming. Even our board members have been impressed with all that you are doing as a family to raise money for glaucoma research. I am pleased to inform you that one board member, Seth Cunningham, was so taken with your commitment that he responded with a gift and specifically noted that it was to be used for the Wilmoth challenge. Thank you again for leading the way with your generous gift.

Best regards,

Tom Brunner
President and CEO
Glaucoma Research Foundation

Wilmoth Family Reply

Tom,

We are excited to inspire even the Glaucoma Research Foundation Board! We are committed to continue our efforts to support GRF with another outreach event from our home. What GRF is doing gives people hope, and the quality of your staff, especially Dr. Allen Poirson, is inspiring to the community. Cathy and I appreciate your leadership and vision.

- Cathy and Charlie Wilmoth

pictured: Charlie Wilmoth (right) and Cate Wilmoth

Time to invest

I’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma although my vision is still 20/20, and, knock on wood, everything seems fine. It’s also time I start investing in this thing long term, and I like what Glaucoma Research Foundation is doing. I get the newsletter (GLEAMS), and read it cover-to-cover. I am very inspired by your story, and will help in any way I can.

Skip Bowen
Colleyville, TX

Wilmoth Family Reply

Skip,

Our family was very happy to learn of your increased gift this year to the Glaucoma Research Foundation and we are grateful for the opportunity to match it through our challenge grant. Your increased generosity in helping to accelerate the research to find a cure for this disease is most welcome, both to GRF and our family.

We are very touched to see supporters like you really stepping up to help cure glaucoma and protect vision. It gives us lots of hope for people affected by glaucoma, which include our five year old son, Christopher, and millions of people in our country and around the world.

Thanks!

- Charlie Wilmoth

I can understand how you must have felt...

“Hi, my name is Tammy Swartz and I too can understand how you must have felt when you first learned of your son, Christopher’s diagnosis of glaucoma. My son, Eric was diagnosed with a cataract and glaucoma right after birth. I never knew such a thing could happen to children. I quickly found out differently. Through the Glaucoma Research Foundation and the Gleams newsletters I have learned so much about this disease.

Eric is now fourteen and had undergone numerous operations and procedures over the years but it has not kept him from doing what he sets his mind to. He began playing baseball at four and has become a very good athlete. He plays shortstop, center field, catcher and pitcher. He has made the all-star team every year he has played. While I do cringe at times watching him play, I would do him more injustice if I did not allow him to play. He also plays football where his team has won 3 straight Super Bowls. Eric plays center, nose guard, corner and linebacker. He is determined this disease will not keep him from doing what he wants to do. He is also an Honor Student at his high school.

While there have been times Eric has gotten depressed and down about his glaucoma, he continues to do his best to take it in stride (most to be strong for me). There have been times over the years when the pressure has skyrocketed but with his team of doctors through various combinations of medications they have been able to get it back under control. That was until recently, nothing was working. We have to have another operation. A stent was put in his eye and now for the very first time in Eric’s life he is not taking any eye drops at all! This probably will not last forever but we will savor it as long as we can. I know it is only by the continued research and contributions being made that this procedure was able to be done and is successful. I applaud the efforts of this organization and the efforts of those like yourselves that make it possible for our children and others to have continued hope. I have been contributing annually since Eric was diagnosed and will continue to do so. Their work is wonderful.

Please let Christopher know he can do anything he wants. Never give up on his dreams and goals. The biggest thing I have realized is how much I have actually learned from Eric and his unbelievable attitude and determination. I am so proud of him, as I know you are Christopher. He will only amaze you more and more every day. Thank you for you effort to help fight this horrible disease. I know one day we will find a cure. God Bless!!!

Tammy Swartz
Lithia, FL

Wilmoth Family Reply

Dear Tammy,

Thank you so much for your personal letter and support.

It is inspiring for Chris to know that he can grow up and do so many of the things that he wants to do. Your strength and support for Eric are heartwarming and courageous for I know your heart drops every time he takes the field or court.

Charlie and I feel that, working together to support Glaucoma Research Foundation’s efforts, we shall find a solution to glaucoma in Christopher and Eric’s lifetimes.

And thanks so much for Eric’s pictures. I know they will encourage Chris with his goals.

With much appreciation,

- Cathy Wilmoth

"We would like to thank you"

“We would like to thank you for matching our donation.”

Howard and Donna Stern
Merrick, NY

“I come from a family of glaucoma. My mother was blind from the disease, and all my siblings but one have glaucoma. My son also has it. I have an excellent doctor, but live in fear of losing my vision. My heart goes to you, the Wilmoth family.

Thank you for your letter.

Mrs. Violet Hrvoj
Waukegan, IL