Dear friends and kind-hearted people,

I write to you today with a heart full of hope to ask for your help! At just 12 years old, my son is facing a huge challenge: a rare and progressive eye disease called keratoconus, which has reached an advanced stage.

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea - the transparent surface in front of the eye responsible for focussing light - progressively thins and loses its spherical shape, becoming conical. Imagine a window through which you are looking, but instead of being perfectly smooth, it is distorted and blurred. For Alex, this 'window' becomes more and more distorted, turning the world into a succession of blurred, doubled images and diffused lights.

At the age of 12, Alex's life is profoundly affected by this disease! At school, he can't see the blackboard and can't concentrate on his homework. His blurred vision severely limits his ability to learn! He can't recognise his friends' faces at a distance.

The only chance to restore his vision is a cornea transplant. But the cost is overwhelming for our family! As a mum, I wish with all my heart to be able to give him the chance of a fulfilled life where he can see smiles, read stories and explore the world.

Every donation, however small, brings us closer to this vital goal! Every gesture of kindness is a ray of light in his eyes!

Thank you so much for your generosity and support!

With gratitude,

Elena and Alex