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After Eye Surgery, Brooklyn Mom Sees Child For First Time
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 18, 2009
Modified Dec 18, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 18, 2009
Modified Dec 18, 2009
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It's another heart-tugging story that seems perfect during the holiday season: Today, the Daily News devotes its front page to Cassy Rivera, who had eye surgery allowing her to see her nearly two-year-old daughter for the first time. Rivera had been losing her sight in 2005 and then she "lost her last bit of sight while delivering daughter Aniahya, now almost 2 years old."
Her seven-year-old daughter Alayza told the News, "I told all my friends, I told my teachers, I told my principal that I'd give up all my toys so my mom could see." Rivera found out about a surgery that could possibly help her regain her sight, but "it would cost $57,000." Medicaid would only cover half—and then the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, which performed the risky surgery, offered to pick up the other half.
Rivera underwent the surgery last week and now loves that she can see her children, "I watch them sleep. I watch them play. I bathed my 2-year-old for the first time." She added, "This is a Christmas miracle. They really happen. You have to believe."
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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