Her parents only noticed her condition when she started to go to school. Her Father observed that Carlyle had difficulty following written instructions or copying down words and sentences. Her Mother wondered why her child could not even spell words correctly even if there was already a guide given and all she had to do was copy the written words. It was only when her vision started to get blurred that Carlyle’s parents began to be alarmed.

Carlyle feared going blind as her condition worsened. The first doctor they went to just told her to wear corrective lenses, but her Father had doubts about this diagnosis so they kept searching for another doctor who could give them a second opinion. Carlyle’s academic performance was affected because she was frequently absent, having to go with her Father to look for a doctor who could remedy her condition.

On July 15, 2011, Carlyle’s Father brought her to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center where she was diagnosed with cataracts and high astigmatism. The doctor said she had to undergo a surgical procedure that involved removing and replacing her damaged lenses. Carlyle and her Father went to the Cebu City Medical Center for yet another check-up and another medical opinion. The diagnosis was the same, surgery was required.

How to pay for it was the problem they now faced. The overall cost would run to P 70,000, which included the cost of the replacement lenses.  They didn’t have the means to pay.  Her Father was a construction worker and her mother a housemaid. They kept on looking for charitable institutions that could help them, but to no avail as Carlyle couldn’t pass their many requirements.  Fortunately, a social worker at the Cebu City Medical Center referred them to the Young Life Foundation.  

With Young Life giving her renewed hope and monetary support, Carlyle finally had the much-needed surgery last November 2011.  It was a success.  Carlyle can finally stop worrying about going blind. The Young Life Foundation has revived her hopes and her capacity to dream.  Carlyle’s future is very bright, anyone can see that.