Group raises money to help firefighter get eye surgery

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EYES 4 JON — In high school, Jon Damon was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round dome-shaped cornea thins, causing a cone-like bulge to develop. Damon, now 28, learned that if he doesn't get a corneal transplant soon, he could go blind in both eyes. Lieutenant Damon is an EMT-1/Training Officer for the Mechanic Falls Fire Department. 

MECHANIC FALLS — A local firefighter was told by his doctor he could go blind in both eyes soon if he doesn't get a corneal transplant – an operation that could cost upwards of $20,000.

But in order to make that happen, money needs to be raised, say members of the "Eyes 4 Jon Team," a group of friends and co-workers who formed on July 18 to raise funds for medical expenses.

Lieutenant Jon Damon, from Mechanic Falls, suffers from Keratoconus, a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally dome-shaped cornea thins, causing a cone-like bulge to develop. 

Basically this means his eyes are shaped like footballs.

On August 16, a letter was sent to all fire departments in Maine with the intent to raise money as quickly as possible.

"One achievable goal is to have one of his eyes fixed by the first of the year," says Katherine Gray, who helped form the group.

Within a month, the group managed to raise about $3,000 through a bake sale, a golf cart raffle, selling blue rubber wrist bands that say "Eyes 4 Jon" and straight donations, says Jen Casey, a friend of Damon's and Rescue Chief of the Mechanic Falls Fire Department.

According to the letter, a corneal transplant is Damon's only cure – and it needs to happen soon.

Damon was diagnosed with Keratoconus in high school. In its early stages, it distorts vision; sometimes people see multiple objects.

Back then though, it didn't pose much of a problem for Damon, aside from the fact he had to specially-order $300-$350 contacts which needed to be changed every five to six months.

Damon, then 18, didn't let his condition stop him from pursuing his interest in firefighting, friends say.

He joined the Otisfield Fire Department where he discovered his passion for public service. In 2006, he joined the Mechanic Falls Fire Department, where he now lives and serves as Training Officer. 

As an intermediate-level EMT, Damon can provide advanced life support to patients in critical condition. In addition, he is Instructor I certified and has been working toward becoming Instructor II certified.

Unfortunately, because his condition has taken a turn for the worse, this dream has been put on hold.

Damon recently learned that he should start thinking of a corneal transplant – the cost for surgery is $22,000.

According to friends, because Damon's condition is pre-existing, his insurance will not cover the surgery until next year.

With declining vision, a year is simply too long to wait. This is where need for donations come in.

Damon says he appreciates the fact he has good friends who are able to help, though at first, he felt reluctant to receive it, says Casey.

"I told him, 'Let us do for you, what you want to do for others,'" she said, "and that's to help." 

Wristbands are being sold for $2 at White's Marina in Norway, Great Lengths hair salon in Oxford, Marios Restaurant in New Gloucester and the Otisfield Town Office. They can also be purchased by contacting Katherine Gray at 754-3352.

On September 15, "Eyes 4 Jon" is hosting a one-pitch softball tournament that will take place at the Mechanic Falls recreational field behind the fire station on Lewiston Street. There, a nearly new golf cart, worth $3,500, will be raffled off.

Ten co-ed teams have already signed up – the group hopes six more teams will join. The cost to sign up is $200. 

Raffle tickets cost $5 for 1 or $20 for 5.

Donations can also be made at TD Bank or Rainbow Federal Credit Union in Mechanic Falls under the "Eyes 4 Jon" account or by emailing eyes4jon@hotmail.com.

An account has also been set up at the Mechanic Falls Bottle Redemption Center on Maple Street.

With roughly 300 fire departments in Maine, more than half the fund raising goal – $15,000 – could be met if every department pitched in $50.

The "Eyes 4 Jon Team" realizes that not every department can donate $50 – any amount is appreciated.

"No donation is too small," says Jordan Emery, a Mechanic Falls firefighter, who is also a good friend of Damon's.

"I am really proud of the progress we've made."

"You see a lot of support you didn't think you'd see," says Casey. "Community outreach has been much greater than expected."