FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

To view the most recent updates about our fundriaser, Lara's prognosis, progress and more click the link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lara-is/x/3059846?c=activity

LARA'S STORY:

When Lara was diagnosed with cataracts, which is extremely rare for someone her age, she was told she would need surgery within about a year before she would be considered legally blind. That was exactly one year ago. Her insurance plan doesn't cover vision, and she is unable to afford the surgery on her own, she has tried everything: she's contacted insurance companies, but they wouldn't cover her pre-existing condition; government health programs (Medical/Medicare/HWLA), but she didn't meet the qualifications; non-profit organizations (Mission Cataract USA/Lions Eye), she's still working on this but so far no luck and she's running out of time! Day by day Lara's eyesight is deteriorating. With no other options, Lara has contacted surgeons in the US, Mexico, and Thailand searching for the most affordable and safe option - this is where you and our Indiegogo fundraiser come in. We can't let Lara go blind! Cataracts are completely correctable, and we need your help to raise money for Lara's cataract surgery. We're committed to raising $14,000 so Lara can get surgery in the USA and our beautiful friend can continue to share her view of the world. All amounts help! Please pass this on and give the gift of sight!

A NOTE FROM LARA:

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has helped to create this video and fundrasing campaign.  Much love and gratitude to all of you for volunteering your time, talent, skills and expertise.  You're my heros! 

I'd also like to express my gratitude and thanks in advance to everyone who supports, shares and/or contributes to this fundraiser in any way.  My heartfelt thanks to you for taking the time to care and for giving me hope for a brighter, and clearer, future. 

I've become so accustomed to not being able to see well that I can't quite imagine what it will be like to see clearly again.  To be able to read a book (or read anything without a magnifying glass), create art, play my guitar, read music, make jewelry, feel comfortable driving my car or riding my bike again, these are all things that are easy to take for granted until you can't do them anymore.  Losing my eyesight has meant losing the ability to do things that I love; it's created challenges in performing work related tasks and even normal daily functions but it has also taught me to appreciate the simplest of things in new and profound ways. I've only just begun to fantasize about all the things I'll be able to do again after my surgery, as it's only now seeming like a reality.  And I can't wait!  Thanks to the help and support of so many wonderful people I believe that the end, and a new beginning, is indeed in sight:) With all my love and gratitude - THANK YOU!!!  xxLara

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

Thank you in advance for your contributions and support.  It is deeply appreciated and guaranteed to bring you good Karma:)  100% of your contribution will support Lara's cataract surgery and related expenses. 

Please Note: Lara's actual surgery is estimated to cost $12k ($6k per eye), however, we've raised our fundraising goal to $14,000 to help cover the Indiegogo processing fees and other related expenses such as loss of work during Lara's post surgery recovery, etc.

Please Note: PAYPAL payments are preferred (if possbile). Time is of the essence! Our goal is for Lara to get surgery on one eye as soon as possible. Indiegogo gives you the option to contribute via Paypal or credit card.  Paypal payments are preferred (if possbile) because contributions will be available to us within a few days so we can begin the process toward getting Lara surgery on the first eye sooner, rather than later.   You can also use a credit card on Paypal even if you don't have a Paypal account.  All non-Paypal contributions made to our Indiegogo fundraiser won't be received until two weeks after our fundraiser deadline expires. 

ABOUT LARA'S SURGERY:

Lara's doctor thinks she was probably born with cataracts and it just took time for them to materialize.  Cataracts are often hereditary and Lara's sister was born with a congenital cataract, which has left her blind in one eye since childhood.  Lara's father also has cataracts so you can basically do the math.  In any case, the good news is that cataracts are now 100% correctible so Lara is lucky in that regard.  But, the fact that Lara has cataracts in both eyes makes her situation more challenging.  A person can function pretty darn well with one good eye, as Lara's sister has proven her whole life, but the fact that Lara has cataracts in both eyes makes surgery an absolute MUST.  At least for one eye, but she needs the surgery in both eyes.  

A NOTE ON SURGERY COSTS: $12k is the average price range we've been quoted by numerous doctors in California. An approximation of costs is all the doctors have been able to give us without personally examining Lara themselves. Typical cataract surgery costs can range between $3,800 - $7,000 per eye.  Because Lara also has an astigmatism, which must be corrected in order for the cataract surgery to work, Lara's surgery will be in the higher range. Additional related costs incurred will include the donation processing fees for Indiegogo/Paypal/Credit Cards, travel expenses (if required to travel) and loss of work during the post surgery recovery time. (Recovery time can vary between 1 week to 30 days and each eye has to be operated on seperately so Lara could be in recovery for as little as 2 weeks or as much as 60 days.)

Ultimately, our goal is to raise the full $14k so that Lara will be able to get her surgery in the USA.  Our plan is to identify two or three doctors that we've been referred to and try to negotiate the best price we can get.  Plan B would mean Lara would have to get surgery in Mexico or Thailand.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Also, if you or someone you know has recently had successful cataract surgery please let us know.  We’d love to get more recommendations for doctors/surgeons, especially in the southern California area, but Lara is willing to travel, if necessary, to get the surgery.

THE “PERKS”

Please Note:  A voucher will be emailed to you and you can claim your Perk Package (and choose your candle scents, etc.) directly from Lara’s website.

PERK PACKAGES #4 - #12 include products from Lara's company, Reciprocity Productions, and her hand crafted product line of jewelry, soy candles and natural and organic skin care products. Detailed descriptions of the products offered in the Perk Packages are below or for more information you can visit her website:  www.reciprocityproductions.com

HAND CRAFTED WIRE WRAPPED RINGS

Hand crafted wire wrapped rings with semi-precious stones or vintage beads, made with love by Lara.

Due to her loss of vision, Lara hasn't been able to design jewelry for more than a year now, with the exception of her rings.  They're bohemian chic, classic, funky and gorgeous.  You'll get to choose from a variety of semi-precious stones and vintage beads wrapped in gold or silver wire and made to size. Perfect for men and women.

HAND CRAFTED 100% SOY FRAGRANCE CANDLES

Non-GMO & USA Produced Soy 

Clean Burning - Long Burning - Biodegradable - Eco-Friendly

100% soy with botanical and fine fragrance oils.  Scents include: Citrus Bliss, French Vanilla, Red Currant, Gardenia, Cucumber Mint and Pomegranate Sage.

HAND CRAFTED 100% SOY AROMATHERAPY CHAKRA CANDLES

Non-GMO & USA Produced Soy

Clean Burning - Long Burning - Biodegradable - Eco-Friendly

Lara's collection of Chakra Candles are made with 100% soy, blended with botanical and pure essentail oils, which correlate with each of the seven chakra energy centers.

FACE BUTTER (Nature's Botox & Wrinkle Repair)

All Natural - Wild Harvested -  Vegan

An indulgence your skin will thank you for.  Skin Revolution Face Butter is Nature's Botox and Wrinkle Repair all in one.  A deeply nourishing nighttime treatment that naturally relaxes facial muscles, provides superb wrinkle repair and prevention, hydrates and plumps skin and much more. Our proprietary blend of naturally refined Shea Butter infused with botanical and pure essential oils will amaze you.  It's what your skin has been waiting for and our customers’ even say "It's Revolutionary."  

FACE CREME (Nature's Botox & Wrinkle Repair)

Certified Organic Contents - Certified Vegan

Skin Revolution's Organic Face Creme is Nature's Botox & Wrinkle Repair all in one (Day Creme)  and it's simply divine. It’s what your skin has been dreaming of.  Organic Aloe, Shea Butter, Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Rooibos Tea Extract and DMAE combine to naturally relax facial muscles,  provide superb wrinkle repair and prevention and have a soothing and restorative effect on the skin. Pure essential oils provide additional skin healing benefits. 

Rooibos is a powerful player in the team of antioxidants this crème brings to your skin.  Recent scientific studies have found that rooibos tea contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.) which is an antioxidant that attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects on the skin.

NATURALLY REFINED SHEA BUTTER

All Natural - Wild Harvested - Vegan

Reciprocity Productions shea butter is naturally refined using only water, steam and the sun.  It's off-white in color and has a very smooth texture (just like butter). Infused with our proprietary blend of pure essential oils which provide additional skin healing benefits and a light citrus lavender aroma with a slight woodsy undertone.
    
African healers have used shea butter for thousands of years as the ideal treatment for dry or aging skin. Reknowned for its anti-wrinkle properties, its high content of non-saponifiable fatty acids gives it the ability to moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin, it's also loaded with vitamins A, E and F that nourish the skin. Shea butter has a natural SPF and protects the skin against the damaging effects of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration.

ORGANIC BODY LOTION (Pink Grapefruit or Lavender)

Certified Organic Contents - Vegan

Skin Revolution Organic Body Lotion is wonderfully luscious and deeply moisturizing.  The ultimate body lotion for everyone! 

LAVENDER: Lavender distillate and Lavender essentail oil are combined to create the perfect lotion for sensitive skin.  Our Lavender lotion is so mild it can even be used as a baby lotion and is a natural insect repellent.

PINK GRAPEFRUIT: Pink Grapefruit is a bright, cheerful scent that makes everyone smile. A favorite of both men and women.