This past May 2007 Kellie flew to Boston and met with doctors from the Boston Foundation for Sight. She had come to see if the scleral lens that they made for others with eye problems would help her regain some of her life. It was a long week with a few ups and downs, but when she returned home at the end of the week she was able to walk outdoors without sunglasses for the first time in over 2 years. The lenses are not a cure, but they do allow for a limited return to some normal activities.

   In the weeks since her return from Boston Kellie and I have been able to do a few of the things we did before the incident in Lake Oswego. Things like go out to dinner walk on Oregon’s beaches and work together in the garden. Simple things to most people, but very precious to us.

   We have also been able to celebrate the passing of SB 479 banning the use of type R metal halide lights from Oregon Schools. Kellie and I attended the signing of the bill in Salem with Governor Kulongoski. That was a very special moment.

   As I have said, the lenses made by the doctors in Boston are not a cure, but they do provide some relief from the constant pain and light sensitivity. By holding a liquid bandage against the eye the scleral lens covers the exposed nerve endings and torn surface of the eye reducing the pain and sensitivity. We have been told that until medical science advances, this is our best chance for some normalcy in our lives. We are truly grateful.

   The Boston Foundation for Sight is a non-profit and accepts donations. They have helped many people with different types of eye problems but Kellie’s case is very unusual. They had never treated anyone with burns from this type of radiation. Doctor Rosenthal had told his staff before her arrival that he doubted they would be able to help her, but he wanted them to give it their very best. When Kellie left to come home after a successful week in Boston the staff and doctors cried, it was truly a miracle.