BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A community is rallying around a 12-year-old boy in Bedford County who is a step away from seeing for the first time.
Shortly after Christopher Ward was born, he was diagnosed with optic nerve hypo-plasia. Despite the rare condition that left him legally blind, Ward’s family says he’s remained positive since Day 1.
“He’s a joy to be around. He’s always happy, he’s never complained.” said Marquita Hackley, Christopher’s mother.
But thanks to new technology, Christopher’s days of not being able to see the typewriter he uses to complete all of his homework assignments in braille may soon be over. His mother recently learned about eSight glasses, a new product that combines a high-resolution camera with a user’s own prescription lens.
The breakthrough provided Ward and his mother the moment they’ve been waiting 12 years for. Finally, Chris could see his mom clearly for the first time.
“When I looked at her, she was pretty,” Christoper recalls.
Problem is, the glasses come with a $15,000 price dag. Nonetheless, Hackley remains determined to someday buy the glasses for her son.
“Whatever it takes to raise the money, I was determined from day one,” Hackley said. “That’s what I was going to do.”
Now, Hackley isn’t alone in her effort. Since the community got wind of Chris’ story, donations have been pouring in.
“The messages that we’ve gotten on Facebook and emails…it’s just been amazing,” explained Hackley. “All to help the little guy with the big personality achieve his dream of sight.”
A YouCaring page has been set up to help Chris and his mother raise money to purchase the advanced specs. So far, nearly $6,000 has already been raised.
