see our vision
MACULAR DEGENERATION
doesn't sound good.
If you care then you can help.
Lets do it and do it now!"
John Adshead
This page is for your stories about macular degeneration and how it has affected your life. If you would like to share your experiences with others Email us and we will post your story here.
The Miracle of Sight for a Mount Maunganui Woman.
In 2007, four months after being diagnosed with “wet” Macular Degeneration at age 63, Viv was devastated to learn that treatments with the drug Avastin had failed and that her sight was irretrievable. She could not drive or read. She had lost her independence.
Despite the support of both her husband, Allan, who became chauffeur, shopper and cook, and work colleagues in the School of Population Health at Auckland University, Viv believed she had to take early retirement. And, while some vision remained, she planned to move to Mt Maunganui and familiarize herself with their beach house, nearby shops, and immediate surroundings.
Thankfully, Viv got a second opinion … and then a “miracle”.
Through treatments with the drug Lucentis - at a personal cost of around $10,000 - her sight not only stabilized but improved to the level that she could drive and read. She regained her total independence and continues to play an active role in the community .
Viv wanted to raise awareness and help others with wet Macular Degeneration. Because Lucentis is not funded by either Pharmac or insurers, many Kiwis, especially retirees, cannot afford their own miracle. This prompted Viv, her husband and Dr Dianne Sharp, the eye specialist who had saved her sight, to form the Macular Degeneration New Zealand Trust.
For information about Macular Degeneration click HERE