Mom hopes visually impaired twins can receive sight

Last August, THE STAR highlighted Aiden and Jayden Brown, the mischievous and loving visually-impaired two-year-old twin brothers.

Their mother, Nickeala Campbell, is determined for them to lead a normal life. Now she is currently in Florida seeking medical attention which, if successful, could give them the gift of sight.

"They have been doing a series of eye exams at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and we are hoping and praying that they will be able to see with the assistance of special glasses. I just want them to live normal because they are really smart kids. They have begun to feed themselves without my assistance and that is a big plus. We all went to the playground recently and I look forward to the day when they will be able to run up and down by themselves and just see the beauty of the world," she said.

She said that her sons, who were born at the Mandeville Regional Hospital, suffer from retinopathy of prematurity, which is a disease that affects immature vasculature in the eyes of premature babies.

Campbell said that they sought assistance from other medical facilities, and it was later discovered that both children could detect lights but could not see.

RISKY OPERATION

With a very risky operation, the twins may be able to see with the assistance of test glasses.

"They will be in the United States for a little while, so we are in the process of sorting out their documents to take to the embassy for a visa change so they can stay there for school. They are also doing therapy, which will help with their speech and to walk independently. I am really so proud of them," she said.

Campbell said she is extremely grateful for the overwhelming support she has been receiving from persons across the world.

"The prayers, well wishes, and donations really helped a lot. Their GoFundMe page is still active and we are appreciative of every dollar. We continue to see greatness in our sons and they are really our reasons for living," Campbell said.

Based on her experiences, Campbell also offers words of encouragement to other parents whose children suffer from a disability, through a Facebook page called Meet The Browns. She also shares daily updates of the twins via the page.