$2,800 in 28 days

For my 28th birthday, I'd like to raise $2,800 for Eversight in 28 days. If just 100 of my 1,900 LinkedIn connections can spare a $28 gift, we'll reach this goal.

I've been seated at this desk in my home five days a week for the past five weeks working for Eversight. We're a global, nonprofit eye bank that procures eye tissue for corneal transplantation and vision research. And here's the inside scoop...

COVID-19 restrictions on elective surgeries includes cornea transplants, which means we're operating at less than 5% of our normal revenue. Thanks to a strong 2019 and remarkable, people-first leadership, ALL of our 150 team members are still employed and with benefits. But the patients we serve are still in the dark.

I have personally spoken to multiple recipients in recent weeks who have recounted the very dark and depressing time when they awaited their cornea transplants. Can you imagine not being able to see? Really think about that—it nearly brings me to tears. What would you miss? Now add that loss to social distancing and the stresses of this pandemic. It's an unending nightmare that people in your community are enduring.

You may ask, "But what are you doing with your time if there are no surgeries?" Great question.

• Our operations team is still providing tissue for emergency surgeries (traumas, time-sensitive disease intervention, etc.) and training clinical staff who procure and process that tissue.
• Our research team is analyzing data and drafting manuscripts for publication.
• Our philanthropy team is writing grants and planning virtual fundraising events.
• Our surgeon relations team is hosting webinars and attending virtual conferences.
• And our leadership team is preparing for the future so we can safely and effectively return to 100% operations when the time comes.

We started the Keep Hope in Sight campaign with the goal of raising $50,000 to keep hope alive for the thousands of people who will still need transplants when restrictions are lifted. As one of the largest eye banks in the world, we must be ready to deliver.

Can you help us Keep #HopeInSight?

• My birthday fundraiser: facebook.com/donate/2541805196036849
• Eversight's crowdfunding campaign: give.eversightvision.org/keephopeinsight