My name is Amber Needham and I am raising money in support of the work of Toronto Western Hospital. Specifically, for the Ophthalmology department and supporting Dr. Clara Chan’s research and work into diseases of the cornea. Through this work, we hope we are able to establish a stem cell registry, which is needed for those patients needing to find a stem cell donor.  My experience, like many, has had to find their own live donor which can be extremely difficult. With the hope of having a stem cell registry, patients needing corneal surgery will not have the added stress of finding their donors, but rather, have the Ophthamologist specialist have an available resource to help locate a donor.

I have created a fundraising event, called Tandem Ride for Sight where my bestie and I will be riding a tandem bike all across Ontario to not only promote my new book, The Blind Girl Sees, but to also raise awareness to diseases of the cornea and the importance for research and innovative procedures that will help close the gap for patient care in this field. By donating to my personal fundraising page, you are helping to support this important work.

This cause is very dear to me as I suddenly and tragically lost my sight in 2014 due to severe damage to my cornea. With a stem cell transplant using the Cincinnati Procedure, performed at the Toronto Western Hospital by Dr. Chan, the only doctor in all of Canada doing this groundbreaking surgery, I was able to regain my sight.  I believe it is my turn to pay it forward by helping others who may be going through the same experience.  

Proceeds from the Tandem Ride for Sight and the sale of my book The Blind Girl Sees will be going towards this much needed cause. 

Please donate, and together we can make this happen.  Thank you!