Patch Land Writings

Ways to Help Kids Cope with Life Problems Through Reading

2012-01-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

This post was written by Stacie Grissom, Reading Kingdom BlogWays to Help Kids Cope with Life Problems Through ReadingJanuary 25, 2012 As adults, people always reminisce about childhood and think about how easy life was 20, 30, 40 years ago. There were no responsibilities, no stresses, no problems. But being a kid is never easy– especially a kid who is different and sticks out from the kid crowd.I’ve worn glasses since I was six and while I was never picked on, (that I remember) I do remember when my mom tried to make me feel comfortable wearing them around other kids. One my first day at kindergarten with my new pink wire-frames, not only did my mom buy tiny little doll glasses for my favorite doll, she also asked my teacher if I could do a special show-and-tell session to explain my new specs. Maybe it was because I am her oldest child or maybe she worries too much, but either way, there are many ways that parents try to help their kids cope with change.A great way to help kids deal with changes like glasses is through books. At my day job, I write for Reading Glasses Shopper where I’ve compiled a list of kids’ books about glasses, so I’m always on the lookout for a new book. There are books to help kids cope with divorce. Books on how to help kids cope with a new sibling. Books on how to cope with death, the responsibility of a new pet, friendship troubles, and life. One book that I read recently, Patch Land Adventures, helps kids with Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”.Patch Land Adventures is written by Carmen Swick, the mother of Preston who was diagnosed with Amblyopia. Just like my mom tried to help me deal with wearing glasses by requesting a show-and-tell session in school, Carmen helps her son with Amblyopia by writing a book. The coolest thing about living in the Internet age is that the power of the media does not rest entirely with companies like Conde Nast or Random House. Bloggers and self-published authors have a voice in the fragmented media world. If you have a passion for something, you can be heard.Patch Land Adventures is about Preston’s time wearing an eye patch to help correct his Amblyopia. The book shows that children can carry on with their normal activities and social interactions even if they are a little different–because everyone is different. Carmen shows that patching is not only easy, it can also be a source of imagination inspiration. Preston’s dreamscapes of Patch Land are fun and quirky, where everyone wears a patch and plays to their heart’s content. I admire any parent’s effort to make their child more confident and well-rounded, and I really admire Carmen’s passion for creating awareness of Amblyopia. Books and reading really can make a difference in a child’s life by making them aware that other people have the same struggles and that there is always someone who shares their experience.Stacie GrissomStacie Grissom is a writer about all things glasses for Reading Glasses Shopper where she talks about everything from bifocals to sun readers. She is also working on a list of kids' books about glasses, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment! Stacie recently received her Bachelor’s degree in English Writing from DePauw University in Indiana. In her spare time, she loves to read, sew, and forage through thrift stores.

HAPPY NEW YEARS! 2012!

2012-01-03T10:52:00.001-08:00

Happy New Years! Wishing you the best in 2012! May you find great adventures! http://www.patchlandadventures.com

Comments from a few people about Patch Land Adventues!

2011-12-28T15:55:00.000-08:00

I would like to share with you a comment from one of the mom's that bought a copy of my book. It really touched my heart when reading it.Amanda SayreReceived Cameron's book the other day, was going to give it to him for Christmas but I couldn't wait. I wanted to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart for using ur amazing gift in such a way to reach children with Amblyopia. Cameron has a hard time understanding (at four) the reasoning for his eye patch. He thinks he is the only boy in the whole world to have to wear one (his words) his reaction to your book, warmed my heart because I could instantly tell he realized he really isn't the only boy to wear one, thank you deeply for making my little boy smile and giving him the gift of understanding! Happy Holidays to you and your family from Cameron and mine!Carol wrote: "Carmen: Just received my books in the mail. It is truly a heart warming story. Can't wait to give them to all the children! Joey Manfre is an amazing illustrator. When is your next book coming out. Hi to all the family. Luv & Hugs, Aunt Carol"Rick EspinoCarmen, you have done a fabulous job on your new book, Fishing with Grandpa! You have created a outstanding tool for adults and children to learn about vision related problems! Thanks again and I look forward to your next book!

12 workdays of Christmas for Books

2011-12-12T18:02:00.001-08:00

Deb Jones Parker:Check out Day 3 of the 12 workdays of Christmas for Books. Today is all about the kiddos with local author Carmen Swick, and her book Patch Land Adventures Book One Fishing with Grandpa. Little Preston and his dog Beau both wear eye patches due to an eye disease, but they persevere and continue to enjoy what they love to do...like fishing. In Patch Land they do all sorts of things and enjoy many adventures. This is a feel good book that also helps to teach tolerance for those who may be facing challenges that we may not understand, but we can if we just take the time to try. Thanks Carmen!http://patchlandadventures.com/

Fishing with grandpa (Book, 2009) [WorldCat.org]

2011-10-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Fishing with grandpa (Book, 2009) [WorldCat.org]

This is other ways of getting copies of my book if you do not go direct to my website. www.patchlandadventures.com

Preston starts 5th Grade.

2011-07-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

My son Preston starts another chapter in his life today, The 5th grade! He also was chosen to be one of the Ambassadors and tour guide at the 1st ever Welcome "New Families" Ice Cream social! He thought that was pretty cool! Wishing you the best in the 5th grade year! You go little man! xoxox

Front cover of my 1st book!

2011-01-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to say that my 1st Children's book Patchland Adventures "Fishing with Grandpa" Is out in print now! You can go to my website to order your book, If you would like a signed copy I will do that for you. www.patchlandadventures.com
You also can go to amazon.com and barnes&noble.com. But I can only sign your book, If you go directly to my site. Also my book now is @ all 3 locations of the Tattered Cover book store. Also in Maria's book shop in Durango, and in Douglas County libraries, & Arapahoe Library (Smokeyhill Locattion. Bookies also carries my book too! I am so grateful and humbled!

Back to School Eye Exams

2010-08-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Back to School Eye Exams

It's been awhile since I have posted anything on my blog, and I miss it! I am going to try and make sure to post at least once a week.
There has been a lot that has happened in our lives since the last time I posted on my blog and will share with you all soon! These are some of the things that I would like to share with you on my next posts, is Preston’s last eye exams to his sports and vacations and just life. I need to sit down and write and play catch up.
I also have been working diligently on getting all the information I need to make my book successful when it comes out in print. My Illustrator Joey is working really hard to get the sketches done. They are so cute! I can’t wait to share!
I wanted to make sure to let you know its back-to-school time again. This means it's time to make sure children have healthy vision for success in the classroom and in activities, so please let others know to go get the children eye exams!
Have a great day!
Carmen
Patch land Adventures

October 27th Snow Storm

2010-02-09T14:51:00.001-08:00

October 27th Snow Storm

We had a huge snow storm on the 27th of Oct. so the kids didn’t have to go to school that day.
I asked Preston to wear his eye patch as he helped me shovel the snow for a little while until he gets bored and that usually doesn’t take that long, with that said within 10 minutes he asked me if he could take the sled up the street and slide down the little hill it is just up from our house and I could still keep an eye on him while shoveling the drive way and sidewalk.
Preston’s little friend Evan wanted to go sledding with him they went for a little while and the temperature started dropping more and I noticed their red little cheeks so I had them come in take off their wet clothes and drink some hot coco made with milk and marshmallows! They loved that of course! Now they were nice and toasty!
Preston has transitional lenses they will darken up outside in the sun, in the house they go back to normal. I noticed when he was coming in the house the one lens looked a little weird I thought that maybe it looked like that because it was cold, and could have gotten wet from the snow, but as I looked at again I noticed he was missing a lens. I said Preston your missing a lens! He started to laugh for moment and said oh mom how long will it take to get a new lens? He has another pair of glasses just in case of reasons like this, but he said they didn’t feel right! I told him fine he didn’t have to wear the other pair but he would have to go to school like that with a missing lens until we are able to get him a new one. It was a good thing that the lens that was missing was of his stronger eye!
Preston was worried that he would get made fun of at school I told him that kids might not even notice inside the class so don’t mention it and see what happens if they do just tell them what happened, but we know how kids can be! I told him it wouldn’t be that long before getting the new lens.
Preston’s friend Evan, his father and his sister came over and they all went outside and built an igloo in our front yard it was a great one! Took his mind off of losing his lens.
The next day at school only a couple of kids noticed his lens and didn’t tease him, I was able to get him a new one the next day!

Vision Walk 2009 at City Park

2009-12-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

Vision Walk 2009 at City Park

It was a great day for the vision walk around City Park! It was cool day prefect for our 3 mile walk around City Park. I put together a team and we called it Patch Land Adventures, of course.
Preston and I were captains of our walk team. We were able to raise some money for our 1st Vision walk. We had friends and neighbors that joined us for the walk.
We meet up with our team mates and registered, said hi to others and started our walk. We did our 3 mile walk around the park and it was so nice to see the water it was very peaceful, and to see all the teams and guide dogs as well.
When I got back from the walk I had to help Garcia’s set up tables, they were such a great support to us as they were for my event the “Blind Taste of the Rockies”.
Preston and his friend Chase were enjoying the clown, games, cotton candy and popcorn and there was a live band on the stage.
Preston was very proud of how much money we were able to raise for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. I think it’s great to have Preston involved the way I do with this non-profit and seeing me volunteer giving back to the community.
I understand this non-profit doesn’t directly deal with Preston’s eye disease but I just had to be a part of it! I feel that it is all about low vision and some day everyone will be able to see the way most of us do we have to do our part to make a change hopefully in the near future.

Tour at Hammonds Candy Factory

2009-11-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Tour at Hammonds Candy Factory

Preston had a friend stay the night and we decided that we would go in the morning to the Hammonds candy factory and go on a tour. We went to another one of his friend’s house and picked him his brother and mother up and went to the Factory. It was a nice day we took a couple of pictures and went inside to get our name in for the tour.
We had to watch a short film about the factory when it started ECT. This is the second time that Preston and I have been to the factory. It was in a new location and the tour was a lot shorter. It was really neat seeing how hard it is to make the ribbon candy what a process it has to go through, and it takes 5 years to become a master candy maker, amazing! After the tour we got to pick out a free candy cane. Of course you can’t walk out without buying candy. We picked up our little baskets and started to fill our baskets. Ouch it adds up fast! We paid and got out of there. What a great time it was the boys really enjoyed it.
We decide to go get lunch than the boys could play for awhile before going home. It was a great day but I told Preston that he had to wear his patch for the rest of the day. We make compromises sometimes.

Day Trip to Millers Farm

2009-11-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Day Trip to Millers Farm

Preston and I went to Millers farm it was about an hour drive north, during his off track time. We always try to plan some fun outings with other class mate friends and their moms. We all arrived there about the same time, we made sure to have our sunscreen on and water bottles and snacks. We were planning to have lunch there as well. We went and paid than the boys wanted to get in the go-carts and race before going on our little adventure. We jumped into a back of a trailer to drive a bunch of us around to different parts of the farm. It was really a neat experience to go around and pick our own produce. It is hard work! Preston and the boys had a new appreciation to produce. It was really a hot day and we drank lots of water and had some snacks while going out in the different fields.
One of the moms that we were there with had a friend of hers that came along and her three children. I noticed that one of her sons had glasses on and I inquired about his vision. She had told me that he also has Amblyopia and a little bit of their journey with it. I told her about Preston and my books. What a small world! I like to hear other peoples journey with Amblyopia and the different steps that they are taking to get there Childs vision as strong as possible.
I was sitting next to this lady and her husband and their two children wonderful family. She had over heard my conversation about the kids and Amblyopia. Her son also has low vision issues so we were able to talk about it. She really has gone through so much with her son. I hope to be able to share their story with you in the near future. We exchanged contact information and looking forward to connecting with her and family. I really feel that sometimes people are brought together for a reason.

Shopping at Costco

2009-10-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Shopping at Costco’s

A Couple of weeks ago Preston Yorkk and I went to Costcos to look at lap tops since my desk top had crashed. I had asked Preston to please put on his eye patch before we left the house. He doesn’t like to wear it out in public because sometimes kids make fun of him or will say hurtful things to him. I know it’s because kids and some adults are not use to seeing people walking around with an eye patch on, even though I am starting to see it now more often when I am out and about. I have found myself trying to educate some of those people, of the reason why he wears the patch.
Preston will usually ask me if he can take his eye patch off and after we are done shopping than he will put it back on in the vehicle. I do at times say yes to him.
He didn’t ask this time before going in to Costco’s I was really proud of him and I just acted like I didn’t notice that he had it on.
We were looking at the laptops when I noticed a young boy in a shopping cart that we had met at a friend of mines sons’ birthday party. He is adopted from I believe Cambodia and he has had several surgeries on his lip, he had a severe cliff lip that was surgically fixed to the best they could do, so when he speaks it’s a little difficult to understand him.
At the party the boys all got along great! They all played for hours and Preston did not wear his eye patch at the party so the boy was unaware that Preston wore one. The little boy said to Preston at Costco’s why you look so weird! Are you trying to be a pirate laughing at him? His parents were a little bit embarrassed and Preston just looked at him and didn’t say anything just moved closer to my leg. I explained to him why Preston had to wear it, than his father said to him that wasn’t very nice do you like it when people say to you that you sound funny and they don’t understand you? The child just looked at him and said no I don’t, father said will than don’t do it to him.
I thought that the father was very gracious to say what he did; I think it is a great lesson, and I try and express to Preston the same to be nice to others even though you do not understand their situation.

The Visit to Dr. D's

2009-10-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

The Visit to Dr. D’s

Preston was a little nervous to go to his eye doctor appointment today, because we did didn’t use the eye drops (Atropine drops). I had to assure him that it was mom’s and dad’s decision not to use them, and that the Dr. would not be disappointed with him concerning the drops.
While we were waiting for the Dr. to come in the room we took some pictures of the eye picture chart that he use to use, because when he was younger he didn’t know all his letters yet, so he would have to try and figure out what the pictures were. We wanted to send them to our illustrator; we also took some pictures of the Dr. With Preston during his eye visit to show people what the children go through during their visits.
Preston’s left eye didn’t get any better but it also didn’t get any worse. The good thing was that his eye didn’t continue to wander out! I was very happy to hear that! We did see a little bit of an increase in his good eye. I will take any good news!!
The Dr. tried to explain to Preston our goal from day one was to get his weak eye strong enough to be able to drive if anything where ever to happen to his good eye. I don’t like putting that out there! So we will continue to patch. I also still need to get those drops into his right eye! Because of Preston’s age it is getting really close to taking another look at the eye surgery. We will revisit that when we go back to see his Dr. in three months. I am very proud of Preston he has the determination to get his eye better.

No Atropine drops yet

2009-10-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

No Atropine drops yet

I have to confess that I have not yet put the Atropine drops in Prestons eye. I am still having a tuff time with it. I know that the Dr. says that he needs to use the drops for 6 wks to see if it makes a difference with his eye wandering out (Extropia) he use to be Estropia.
So now it would be for a different reason than when he used it before. That’s why I didn’t understand it at first when she asked me to start the drops again and knew that I was not a fan of it. Dr. D took time out of her day to explain why he needed to use the drops again. She sent me the explanation through email, as I posted on an earlier post.
Preston is going to be off track soon for 3 wks I think I will start it than that way if he is really struggling it will not affect his school work and I can just take him off the drops.

Heidi's Concerns

2009-09-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Heidi’s Concerns

Preston has a program that started yesterday at his school called “Let the Training begin”.
Yesterday Preston ran 2 miles I was really proud of him! He said mom can we do it again tomorrow? I know I will be able to run 3 to 4miles. I said yes we can go again, I told him I would walk the course. I can’t run it because of my knees.
Today Preston and I went and picked up a neighbor boy named Evan he is such a cutie! He is one of Preston’s best buddies even though he is 2 yrs younger they get along great!
Off they went running and I walked it like I had promised Preston! There was a young little girl that was trying really hard to run and she said she was getting tired. I had already walked a mile and said to her would you like me to hold your hand and we can finish it together? She said yes! This little girl also has Amblyopia.
Her mother joined us on our last lap and shared some concerns with me. She said that her daughter was doing better but now after some time the Dr. Felt that she needs to start patching again for about 2 hrs a day. The little girl said no! I don’t want to patch again. The Dr. said will you can also put Atropine drops in her good eye. She knew that Preston had to do that for a year and it did not show any improvement for us! The Dr. Wants Preston to use Atropine drops now for a different reason and I explained it to her about Preston’s eye wandering out now. Heidi she and her husband have a concern .They feel that by using the Atropine drops in their daughter’s good eye there could be some repercussions from the usage of the drops.
I told here that I will send her some information that my doctor gave me since I have the same concerns.
I had to tell her that it was also a huge concern to me and my husband as well. I told her that if her daughter would be willing to patch for 2 hrs a day that’s what I would!
She said you know Carmen I think that is what we will do since she is pretty good about patching!
We will start patching twice a day and see if that will make her eye stronger.
She was so glad to share her concerns with me since she knows that we are both going through the same concerns with our child.

Preston needs to have Atropine Drops again

2009-08-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Preston needs to have Atropine Drops again

I am so torn about Preston starting his Atropine drops. I had posted earlier that his Dr. wants him to put the drops in his right eye which is his stronger eye. I know she really thinks or is hoping that it will help his eye come back to the center.
Preston’s eye prescription was so strong that the eye wandered out! So we have been lowering his prescription to help his eye from wandering out.
Here we are trying to correct it from being to close to the inside corner and now the opposite! Instead of him being” Estropia” now he is” Extropia”.
I am always so positive and supportive about the whole process but I am human and a mother and it is so hard sometimes that you just want to break down and cry! But I know I have to do the right thing for him and she only wants him to try it for 6 weeks and see what happens!
Preston had already used the drops when he was in Kindergarten for a year. I feel that it hindered his reading and spelling because of the lack of being able to see the letters clearly. He has progressed so much that I am so afraid of all the hard work that he has accomplished will be affected! I just need to follow the Doctors order and try it! It is only for 6 weeks this time and I really do believe in his Doctor. I also have had thoughts of could there be a long term affect in his good eye? You worry about all those things and the Doctor has to assure you that it does not.
There is another concern about Preston using the Atropine drops. He loves to go dirt biking and I am so afraid of him getting hurt. Will I guess he just won’t be able to ride during that period of time!
I am very glad that Preston has continued to eye patch! It has made a difference! It has been a long Journey but I am happy to have been able to share our Journey with you!
Hopefully here soon you will be able to enjoy the Patch Land Adventure books!

Our Trip to South Dakota

2009-07-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

My Personal Journey as Preston’s mom
Part 7
Our Trip to South Dakota

I can’t believe it has been so long since I have shared any stories with you. We have been enjoying our summer time before Preston started school.
We took a road trip to South Dakota and camped for 4 days. We had such a great time!
We of course went to Mount Rushmore and Preston thought it was so cool! He was really educated with this trip. After we went to see the Presidents we headed into town. We were hungry! After we ate we walked around had Calla and I bought some great fudge and the guy’s had ice-cream.

We also went to a Cave the next day that was highly recommended by a local she said it was one of the best caves there.
We went down 380 ft. Wow was it cold they said it was about 49 degrees, so we had to wear sweat shirts while taking the tour. The tour guide told us about the cave and when it was founded what does and doesn’t grow in the cave etc. We walked a lot of foot steps, but it was worth it!
After we finished our tour we went out side and it was raining pretty heavy so we decided to go back to our camp ground and make some dinner and hopefully the weather would clear up and it did so we were able to have some smores. Preston loves them!
We were able to get some great pictures from our trip!
Yes we did make Preston Patch during our camping time and driving time. Preston did not want to go back home so we let him go swimming with Calla the next day before we left while Yorkk and I packed up our camp site and loaded everything up and of course our dogs, so he was happy!

Explanation from Preston’s Eye Doctor

2009-05-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Explanation from Preston’s Eye Doctor

I had asked Preston’s doctor to please explain why he needed to start the Atropine again. Yorrk was not with me during this appointment so; she took the time out of her weekend to write an email about Preston’s eye condition that way Yorrk could have a better understanding about It.
Seeing this email is a little bit hard to look at, and realize his challenges. I also look at it and say Wow we have made great progress! And will continue too!

Carmen-
Let me see if I can clarify the reason I suggested trying Atropine again. My thoughts are a little easier to organize in writing and then your husband can have access to the information as well.

As you know, there are essentially 3 components to Preston's eye issues:

1. Refractive error. This refers to the shape of his eyes and is treated with his glasses.

2. Amblyopia- This refers to the shut down of the pathways from the left eye to the brain. It is being treated with patching. Sometimes we also treat amblyopia with atropine drops, which blur the vision at near in the better eye, thus causing the weaker eye to be used more. The best treatment, however, is to patch the better eye, occluding it completely to force use of the weaker eye.

3. Strabismus - This refers to the misalignment of the eyes. Early on, Preston's left eye crossed in toward his nose, which is called esotropia. Usually we treat esotropia using glasses to take the burden of focusing off the eyes so they can stay straight. As a child grows, sometimes a formerly esotropic eye will start to wander outward, which is called exotropia. This usually is treated by decreasing the power in the lenses so that the child can put forth some focusing effort. When we accommodate (focus at near) we converge our eyes, or bring them together, so the goal of allowing the child to do their own focusing sometimes causes them to converge, thus bringing the wandering eye to straight. This is what we're trying to accomplish with the atropine this time. Atropine temporarily paralyzes the accommodation in the better eye, thus causing the child to have to work even harder to focus. The hope is that Preston will bring his eye inward through this increased focusing effort.

Of course, as you know, the 3 above components are all very interrelated, and one problem can cause the others to occur.

Does that help?

Hope this lengthy message helps.
Diana D.

Return to the Eye Doctor

2009-05-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Preston returns to the Eye Doctor

Preston has been a little anxious about this eye appointment. He asked me mom will I have to have eye surgery? Is the Doctor the boss or are you? I told Preston that our goal is not to have eye surgery that is why we have been working so hard towards patching! And if the Doctor really thinks that after all these years, that you need the surgery than that is something we will have to talk about. I assured him that since he has been eye patching his eye has gotten so much better and without patching he would have never reached this goal!
His doctor said that Preston has gotten a little bit better again! Preston was so happy to hear that! He said mom did you hear what she said? I said yes honey I am very proud of you! At that moment I could feel myself trying to swallow and not shed tears at that moment so she could finish saying what else was to come.
The Doctor says even though we have been lowering Preston’s prescription his weak eye has been turning out. She thinks if we use Atropine drops it might help his eye. I am not a big fan of these drops, we tried it for a year in Kindergarten and we did not see any difference. I was also worried about Preston being able to see the letters and just learning to read so we took him off of it. The Doctor says we will try only for six weeks and see if it makes any difference in that eye. I will put a drop of it in his left eye every other day. The Atropoine what that does is basically dilates the eye. I don’t want surgery so I am willing to try it for 6 weeks. We will have to see what kind of out come it is. Hoping for the best! I have faith in his Doctor. The Journey continues.

Rembering a very special person

2009-05-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share something that I wrote about my mother years ago, and since it is mother's day I thought this would be a great time to share with you.

Rembering a very special person. A person with lot’s of love in her, who would say goodnight with a simile and awake with one that would brighten everyone’s day. She would comfort me with love, laugh and cry with me.

Day to day she grew weaker and never showed any pain, she smiled at me and said don’t be sad, it makes me sad. She suffered allot of her life and than the lord would not let her suffer anymore. She’s in Paradise where she belongs.

Even though I miss her so she’ll suffer no more! That special person is my mother.

Mom I miss you! Mom Te quero mucho!

Love your daughter,
Carmen

A Comment from Maria

Carmen I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 20. I thought I wanted to die beside her that life could not go on without her. Your words above are well written and touched my heart remembering those last moments with her. I feel her today guiding me through some of my toughest days. I need to get your info to my niece too. Her little 6 month old just got glasses. His pictures are so precious. I need to email them to you. Have the best mother's day."
Maria

A Comment from Michele

Carmen, that brought tears to my eyes! A few years back I did the 3 day - 60 mile walk for breast cancer and have done many other things for breast cancer over the years. Its amazing to know I'm doing a little bit of something for the pain they suffer."
Michele

Lisa's Story About her son Nick

2009-05-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Lisa’s Story About her son Nick

"Hi Carmen- My son Nick was diagnosed with Amblyopia in K (age 6) last year. His vision in the amblyopic eye was 20/600. It was so profound that patching had to be a minimum of 8 hours a day. I was so proud the first day he showed up at school wearing his patch. He was nervous. We had a wonderful K teacher who let me explain to the class why and what was happening. She then used this opportunity to have each kid cover their eyes one at a time and try reading across the room. We have slowly tapered off and are on our first 8 weeks of NO patching.. YEA! However, we have also learned that patching does nothing for binocular vision (just monocular) and have begun vision therapy. We hope this therapy will restore some depth perception and binocular vision. This therapy is controversial.. And I tell people.. Vision therapy is for amblyopia as physical therapy is for stroke victims... No guarantee BUT we must still try!I am glad Jennifer put us in touch with each other...Lisa"

Volunteer of The Quarter Award to Carmen Swick

2009-04-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Volunteer of the Quarter award to Carmen Swick

Drew Thank you so very much for your kind words!!! I cant express to you how it made me feel when I read this article! What an honor it is! I will not forget that. It really made me feel like I really know that all my efforts are will deserved and that it will make a difference some day! This will be a success, and I am so grateful to be part of such a wonderful team!!!
You all make a difference without all of you giving me the support and guidance as a team this would not be happening.

With Love
Carmen

Dear Members & Friends of the Denver FFB Chapter,
Carmen Swick, Richard Faubion & Parka, FFB (Left), Mark McIntosh, Colorado & Company, 9News
For their great support for our VisionWalk, we honored Walmart Vision Centers and all their managers for such outstanding support of FFB and raising over $27,000 collectively for the 2008 Walk. Thank you again!
The first quarter of 2009 has been a successful one as one of our newest members has come through in a big way. For all her efforts so far in the 1st quarter, our most notable of accomplishments has been accomplished in the planning and fundraising efforts toward our chapter event, The 1st Annual Blind Taste of the Rockies. This event would not be possible without the involvement from all of our volunteers. All of our volunteers are doing a splendid job this quarter, most notably, our new Fundraising and Events Chair, Carmen Swick.
It is my pleasure to present our Volunteer of the Quarter award to Carmen Swick. Carmen has been invaluable to the Denver Chapter since she joined us at the end of 2008. Upon joining the Denver Chapter Board, Carmen immediately stepped up to lead the Blind Taste event. Carmen is not only creative and personable, but she is also motivated in ensuring the success of the Denver Chapter and the mission of FFB.
Carmen’s son, Preston, has amblyopia, which is lazy eye, and she is committed to finding treatments, preventions and cures for all blinding eye diseases. Carmen is an author of children’s books focusing on bringing awareness to low vision in children and having these books be a tool for children to make eye patching fun. You can check her plans out at www.patchlandwritings.blogspot.com.
Carmen’s prior career was mainly involved in sales and marketing for Miller Brewing and a corporate travel agency and she modeled for commercials, print work and runways. Her passion and goal is to make a difference in the world and bring happiness to children everywhere. She has found a home in FFB in their mission and has become the VP, Fundraising for the local chapter.
On behalf of the Denver Chapter, I want to thank Carmen for her involvement and hard work this quarter and she continues today! Let us keep the momentum and make 2009 a banner year to remember for the Denver Chapter.
Sincerely,
Drew McLean

The Truck was Found

2009-04-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

Truck was found

We received an email and phone call that our truck was located in Sterling Colorado. We were relieved and scared at the same time to find out what kind of condition it was in.
We had found out that the guy had taken the truck to Nebraska and that there was an officer that had a radar gun ready to clock him and noticed that he had a broken tail light, and that’s when the chase began, that lead him all the way to Sterling Co.
He had run the truck through a chain linked fence and hit some jet skis, and a couple of other things that I have not mentioned that he had done to the truck. The officer said that he had driven the truck for 1700 miles.

He got out of the truck when he wrecked it and jumped in to another vehicle and stole that one as well and has not been found since.
Amazing that this guy can break in to someone’s property that quickly!
The good thing is that there was someone in the passenger seat that was not in any condition to get out and run. Not sure what she was on at the time. She gave the name of the thief and now has a picture of him as well. Hopefully here soon they will capture him.

I am hoping to be able to see how much damage was done to the truck soon. They said he also had stolen a dirt bike that was in the back of the truck’s bed.
I was so excited to tell Preston the good news! I went to pick him up from school and told Preston about some of the story, he was very happy to know that his dad will be getting back his truck after the truck has all the work done to it that is needed.
Preston is looking forward to the summer and going camping with the truck.
I am sadden by what all has happened but we will get the truck back and be able to get it fixed. The best of all we are all okay!

Colorado's Spring Snow Storm

2009-04-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Colorado’s Spring Snow Storm

I have to say yesterday was a strange day. I was taking Preston to school in the morning and we always study his words on the way to school every Friday before his test, but it was hard to concentrate that day with the snow coming down we both were just mesmerized by the beauty of the big white snowflakes. We were able to do a couple of words and off he went running to get to class on time.
It was time to pick Preston up from school and let me tell you it was raining thundering and gloomy. By the time I arrived to Preston’s school it started snowing again and it looked like the sky’s opened up and was just dumping buckets on us. I have to say within the 15 minutes of Preston running to the vehicle the streets were already covered and it was hard to see with the wind blowing.
Preston opened the door and said gosh, mom I couldn’t even see with the snow in my face. Than he couldn’t wait to tell me that he got a 100% on his spelling words! I was very proud of him.
He was concerned that the birthday party he was invited to would be canceled and he was right it was. He was really upset; he was really looking forward to going.

Yorkk said, should we all go out to eat tonight we could go down the street.
Yorkk had just bought a F350 White diesel truck, so he was excited to drive it to Old Chicago’s. his brother Craig also came along with us.
he dropped us off at the door and went to park the truck.
We finally finished eating dinner, Yorkk went outside to pull the truck up to the restaurant, only one thing he came in and had this horrified look on his face and said that his truck had been stolen! He was needless to say very upset; he has only had the truck for 6 days. We all went outside to look around and it was still snowing pretty well. Preston started to get very upset about the whole ordeal! He was frightened that someone would steal the truck and very sad for his father. I called my daughter Calla to come please pick us up and take us home. She was also very upset about the whole thing. We had to call the police and report it. It is just a horrible feeling all the way around! You feel violated! I had to explain to Preston a few things about how horrible the circumstance was; but that the good thing is that we are all okay!
I have to say we didn’t sleep very well and it is around 3pm the next day and we have not heard anything yet about the truck. We will keep our fingers crossed.
Preston got up in the morning and wanted to know if we had the truck back I said no we will hope for a good out come. Preston started to play his WII game and I asked him to please put his patch on, so we could try and continue our day as normal as possible.

2nd Graders Musical

2009-04-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

2nd Graders Musical

Preston’s School had their end of the year musical on Wed. My daughter and Uncle Craig and my neighbor RJ came to see Preston perform with us. Yorkk was in charge of the video recording and I took pictures with my digital camera.
These kids did such a great job! I could not believe Preston; He was singing and moving with rhythm that surprised all of us. I could not stop smiling and laughing, in a good way. I was shocked I never knew that he could move like that. I was very proud of him!

Colorado 2009 Spring Blizzard

2009-03-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

My Personal Journey as Preston’s Mom
Part 6

Colorado 2009 Snow Blizzard

Wow did Colorado finally get some snow! We needed the moisture but we
Just didn’t want it all at once.
Preston thought it was great when he looked out of the window and got to see the snow falling and accumulating on the ground.
Preston and his little friend Evan decided that they would go over to our neighbors house and shovel their driveway and make a little bit of money.
They worked really hard for about 2 hours and would not stop until he thought that they had done a great job.
I finally go them both to come in and get the wet clothes off of them. They had cold red cheeks and hands. I made them some hot Coco with milk and marsh mellows. They were able to warm up after that and relax for awhile until dinner time. They were excited for dinner because I made comfort food, homemade chicken and noodles and mashed potato.

Preston woke up the next day and asked me if he could build an igloo in the back yard. I told him of course but he would have to patch while building it.
He did such a great job! I was very proud of him. I took several pictures of him with the dogs. One that I took of him was with our little dog Dunhill in the igloo. The other picture is of Beau and him eye patching! I love it! Beau is such a good sport!
Preston was just beaming after I told him what a great job he did making the igloo while patching. I told him that I know it was a little difficult for him to patch while making the igloo, but that just proves the he can do anything!
Preston You Rock!

I posted a couple of those pictures on my blog.

Colorado and Company Show

2009-03-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Colorado And Company Show

I am so excited to share with you that Richard and I the Director of Foundation Fighting Blindness and his guide dog Parka where on the Colorado and Company show yesterday, Thursday March 19th. It was a great experience!
Mark the co-host and Tawnya really made the whole experience wonderful.
I was really nervous going to the studio of channel 9.
Richard and I arrived at the time that they had requested we went in and signed in. Patty one of the producers of the show came to greet us and explain the process she also was very nice
.
We went in to the studio and were able to greet Mark and Tawnya before the show and that it made it better for us. We also meet some other really great people that were also there to go on a segment. We watched as the show was being taped live.

It was our turn to go on!! I was not as nervous by the time we went on. I was glad we were able watch before going on. The hosts are fabulous!
Richard and I were able to share some facts about low vision, and some information on the Events coming up.
I also was able to mention about Preston’s eye disease and that I have written 3 children’s books and I am in the process of trying to get them published.
I love the non-profit that I volunteer for.
I also want to continue to bring awareness to Amblyopia. That is how our journey started.

Spring Break

2009-03-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Spring Break!

It is that time of the year; Preston is on spring break for 3 weeks. I told him that he would have to patch as much as possible while on spring break and take advantage of this time.
Unfortunately with school and activities we have not been patching as we should. I as his mother need to be on him about it. I am human and sometimes I do get upset with myself and say, how could have I forgotten to tell Preston to Patch. It makes me sad and I take on the responsibility of his eye getting better.
I have learned to say to myself its ok he will be just fine. Just have him put the patch on and see if you can have him extend the patching time.
Preston went to his physical yesterday and he had a great check up! He grew 6 inches in 2 years! Wow it looks like he is going to be tall. They did the hearing test and passed, and of course I had to say to him, Preston I Know you can hear me you passed the test. So when I tell you to clean your room you don’t have any excuses. I am sure he will find another excuse.
Preston is setting across from me in the office and he is trying to figure out what to write about in his journal. His Teacher Ms. Dey made him a journal and some topics that he could write about. He needs to practice. I just asked him what subject you would like to write about. He looked at me and said you know, and put his hand over his weak eye and than took off his glasses. So I asked him what is it to not have to patch your eye again. And he said no for my eye to get better. I said oh Preston it will get better soon each day you patch there will be a difference, keep it up! I know you’re tired of it, but it will be worth it. I just gave him a dollar for patching that his Mimi sent him.
Preston just decided that he wanted to write about aliens. He is now making his illustrations. It should be interesting. I love to listen to a Childs imagination. You can escape with them at times.

If Amblyopia Goes Untreated

2009-02-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

If Amblyopia goes Untreated

I feel like I need to add a little bit more valuable information on Ambyopia.

What happens if amblyopia goes untreated?
If not treated early enough, an amblyopic eye may never develop good vision and may even become functionally blind.

How many people have amblyopia?
It is estimated that two to three percent of the general population suffers from this form of visual impairment.

What treatments are available?
Before treating amblyopia, it may be necessary to first treat the underlying cause.
Glasses are commonly prescribed to improve focusing or misalignment of the eyes.

Surgery may be performed on the eye muscles to straighten the eyes if non-surgical means are unsuccessful. Surgery can help in the treatment of amblyopia by allowing the eyes to work together better.

Eye exercises may be recommended either before or after surgery to correct faulty visual habits associated with strabismus and to teach comfortable use of the eyes.

I have to say it has been a long journey with the treatment of Amblyopia with Preston. It has been four years now. But we know the alternative and that is not an option.

I know all you mothers and fathers, grandparents, anyone that is a major player on trying to help treat your Childs eye out there feel the same way.
I know this because if you did not feel the same way you would not be following my blog.
Good for you keep up the great work!!

Facts about Amblyopia

2009-02-17T14:01:00.001-08:00

Facts about Amblyopia

There have been some people asking me about Amblyopia so I thought I would share some facts about it.

Amblyopia is responsible for more loss of vision in people age 45 and younger than all other eye diseases and trauma combined. That is shocking.

Amblyopia
A condition in which a person's vision does not develop properly in early childhood because the eye and the brain are not working together correctly. Amblyopia, which usually affects only one eye, is also known as "lazy eye." A person with amblyopia experiences blurred vision in the affected eye. However, children often do not complain of blurred vision in the amblyopic eye because this seems normal to them. Early treatment is advisable, because if left untreated, this condition may lead to permanent vision problems. Treatment options include vision therapy exercises or and prescription eyeglasses. People with amblyopia may need to wear an eye patch over their stronger eye in order to force the affected eye to function as it should.
We need to educate and bring awareness to this eye disease.

Valentines Party

2009-02-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

Valentines Party

Preston and the kids had a great time. They loved the card projects and treats and of course the cookies with frosting and sprinkles. We gave them the cookies after the card project right before going home.
I had to take Preston to get is frames fixed on one of his pair of glasses and adjust the other pair because it was loose on him.
His little friend Evan accidentally hit Preston with his knee and hit him on the corner of his eye ouch. We had to put a little bit of ice on his eye. This happened super bowl Sunday.
As for his last basketball game they won! And Preston scored 2 baskets. Nice way to finish off the season.

Yorkk came home with some roses since it’s for Valentines. They are very nice.
We got up this morning and Yorkk took us to breakfast. We gave Preston a box of chocolate candies and the movie Space buddies with the golden retriever puppies. He was very excited. I am fighting a migraine today. I took something for it but it makes me groggy. When we got home Preston put his eye patch on for a couple of hours. I wanted him to wear it longer but he was saying it makes me dizzy right now.
My sister in-law is coming over with my niece for Valentines dinner. We are having steak and crab. Preston used to eat crab but now he would prefer not to. So I have to get together and start cooking.
Preston’s friend Evan and his family might be coming over later to play games. We should have a nice time.

Preston is Excited for Valentines Party

2009-02-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

Preston Is Excited for Valentines Party!

Preston wrote out all his Valentines yesterday after school. He checked off each Childs name is his class so he would not forget one. Of course he also made one out for his close little buddy Evan and his little adorable little sister Eva. Preston and Evan spend allot of time together, they just live down the street from us. Preston wrote one out for another neighbor Keith, is older but just wonderful with the kids.

I just finished making heart shaped sugar cookies to take to Preston’s class. I am a little tired from last night. I was hoping they would turn out okay and they did. I went to a friend’s book signing for some support and than went to my non-profits reception that was fabulous.
The children are going to put frosting and sprinkles on the cookies.
Than we are also going to make Valentine cards for someone special in their life mom and dad sister who ever they feel like making the card for. I thought as a room mom it would be very cute to do.
I also asked his teacher Ms. Dey to take pictures of each child so we could put it on the front of the card with a heart lace dollies. Of course she went ahead and took care of it.
I am so excited to go to his party. I will let you know later how it all went.
Preston has his last basketball game of the season. Hopefully his friend Evan and his family will be able to come and watch him play. Calla Preston’s sister will also be there. Calla has been very supportive to Preston with his activities.

I will write later after his last game and let you know how they boy’s all did.

Preston Went Dirt Biking

2009-02-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

Preston Went Dirt biking

Preston came home and said he had a great time and you could tell that his confidence level went up. But for his father he did not have such luck. He wiped out. He said he was on a jump and it was windy and we all know the rest of that story. He put the bikes away eat dinner and than decided he better go to the ER. He had an x-ray and cat scan done. They told Yorkk that he bruised his lungs and some organs. He came home with something to blow into so that he would not get ammonia; he also went and picked up some pain pills. He was in pain all night and the next day.
Preston hung out and patched and played some wii games while his dad lay on the couch. I gave him the lecture of course on how dangerous of sport dirt biking is. He has heard that a million times. I try really hard to not think about it to much. Preston really enjoys it, and he is really good at it.

I am so excited today! I mailed out my query letter and manuscript this afternoon to a children’s traditional publisher. I have been working on it for over a year. I just have such a wonderful feeling seeing the finish product ready for print.
I told Preston about it after school and he was really excited. He wants to see the book out in the stores. I had to explain to him that it could be a very long process. Sending it out to several publishers and be denied. It could be three months before you could find out. They have all the control. But I know the reasons of writing this book and I am going to keep going. I have faith that the books will be out in print.

Preston's Spelling Test

2009-02-07T14:40:00.000-08:00

My Personal Journey as Preston’s mom
Part 5

Preston had a good week and he was very happy because he did great on his spelling test. He could not wait to tell me about it after school.
The words this week were fairly hard, I think it‘s been the toughest so far this year. He is even happier that it was Friday! That means no school for the weekend, and also Basketball night.
My daughter Calla came over for dinner and she went with us to see her little brother play basketball. He had another great game. We just could not say the same thing for the referee that night. She just did not show up! We didn’t want to say too much but it was to the point that the guy in charge of the Aurora Recreation and parks had to stop the game and talk to the coach’s and the referee.
Preston had some little boy wrapped around him when he had the ball and that happened several of times.
Calla and another boy’s mom and I said come on now, so they had to do something at that point. At this age they have to really learn what the rules of the game and they play man to man, sort of speak, the boy’s all wear color coated wrist bands and that’s how they know who to cover. We were glad when the game was over. The good thing is the boy’s really didn’t know what was going on. They still had fun!

Preston and Yorkk went dirt biking this morning since it was a pretty nice day outside. Preston really had no rode his bike much since he had the last accident so this is good for him. He will start to build up his confidence again. I just worry about it every time he goes out there. But that is one of the things that he and his father really enjoy doing together. So I try not to say too much.
Preston made sure to patch this morning before he went. It is easy to get him to Patch when he has something he really wants to go and do. I guess it is a little bit of bribery, but as I tell him he needs to patch anyway. So it works out in the end. Let’s hope when I write in the morning that everything went just fine for the boys out with their dirt bikes.

Preston's Basketball Game

2009-02-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

Preston’s Basketball Game

Preston had a great game and a good time this Friday evening. The team that they just played on Friday was the 1st team they played at the beginning of the season. The other team stomped on us the 1st time we played them but not the 2nd time around, their team only won by one point. The great thing is that his Uncle Craig drove down from the mountains to see his game. Aunt Lynda and Aspen also came to see Preston play. Preston scored the 1st basket of the game. He was very happy about that.

After the game the coach and a few other parents and children went to my daughter’s place of employment to get something to eat. The kids all played pool and had a great time. The Parents got to unwind and have a drink. We were there for a couple of hours and my daughter Calla waited on us of course and did a great job!

Blind Taste of the Rockies @ Auction

2009-01-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

Blind Taste of the Rockies @ Auction

I’m excited to say that I am the Events Chair for the Denver Chapter. A note From the President of the Denver Chapter.

Denver Chapter,

I am excited that we have finalized a date and venue for the Blind Taste of Rockies & Auction event to be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Haggan Aviation, Centennial Airport, Centennial, CO. Our goal is to raise over $10,000 on the event.

Highlights of the Blind Taste of the Rockies & Auction:
· One of Haggan Aviation corporate jet hangers will be converted to a jetset wine, beer, liquor tasting & auction site. There will be tables of appetizers, beverages, cheese, prizes and more!
· Attendees will sample wines and beers and try to discover what type they are and the winners will win special prizes!
· There will be a LIVE and silent auction of many items from around the state of Colorado.
· Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
It is also a pleasure to announce that Carmen Swick will be our Blind Taste of Rockies Event Chair. Carmen has shown solid efforts already by obtaining the venue, collecting several prize donations, and recruiting new members to the Prize Committee. Carmen has the creative direction and drive that an event like this requires. Thank you Carmen! The committee and board will support you in making this a fun and successful event.

As you know Prize Committee is still open for anyone (not just the board) to join. Please contact Carmen (carmens222@comcast.net) or myself if you or anyone you know would like to help collect donations or spreading the word about the event.

Thank you,

Drew

Thank you to Ms. Cline

2009-01-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Ms. Cline

I wanted to say thank you to Ms. Cline she has been giving Preston extra help with his reading. He did not like going at the beginning. I think for several reasons, we really had to work hard through those times.
This year he has not complained. He will come home and talk about his day of reading with Ms. Cline.
Preston has to adjust every time he gets a new prescription and he is doing well with it. At night he and I read before he goes to bed and I notice that it is very important for the lighting to be good when he reads.
I like to go to the library and pick out new books so he gets excited and wanders what the stories are about. I also get excited and tell him I can’t wait to hear what this story is about. I think it is also important that he to picks some of them out as well. We also support his school and buy some of the scholastic books.
I think reading is important on such different levels. I love that fact that Preston tries so hard and is showing improvement and he is excited to read. I like it because we get the bonding time in the evening before he goes to bed. I will also try and read some before I go to sleep. It let’s you escape and forget about worries before going to sleep.

Working on NonProfit

2009-01-25T16:05:00.001-08:00

Non Profit

I have been really consumed with the Foundation Fighting Blindness. I have not been writing in my journal or my blog.
I am very excited for what we are getting ready to do in June. We are putting on “Bind Taste of the Rockies @ Auction”. We are going to be using my brothers hanger for our venue it is called Haggan Aviation.
It was really a nice thing for my brother to offer it and along with some other things.
I picked up Richard the Director of the Chapter and his see and eye dog Parka, she is so cute! And also Drew the president of the Denver chapter. They met my brother and were excited to have it at the hanger. We are now working on the letters for donations, and of course everything else that comes with putting on this event. We are very excited I think it will be a great turn out and hopefully raise a lot of money for the research. They want to find a cure and I want to help them with that. I have to mention that I am now the Events Chair for Denver Chapter. I was a little hesitant to take the responsibility but Richard and Drew both said Carmen you are already doing the work.
I know if I need their help they will both be willing to help me. They are both such wonderful guys to work with and great energy. I like to bring some humor along with me and they like it too.
Preston is very excited to help me volunteer the day of the event along with my daughter Calla, and hopefully Yorkk, if he will be in town that day.

Preston seems to be adjusting to his glasses fairly well even while patching his eye. His teacher Ms. Dey said that Preston is shown some really good progress on his reading. I was so happy to hear that news! And so was Preston. You could see his confidence level go up as we were walking to our vehicle after school.
Preston had his basket ball game that evening. His team won and Preston played very well. I felt so bad for him at one point the ball hit him in the face, and his glasses. It broke my heart when he looked at me.

I want to get him sport goggles but his prescription has been changing every 3 to 4 months having to buy 2 pair of new glasses each time.
The goggles run about $150.00 and we really do want to buy it for him because it will help protect his eyes from injury. I just wanted to wait to see if his prescription stayed the same for awhile.
I can hear him singing in the family room right now with his guitar hero. I better go join the band with Yorkk and Preston.

Preston's New Glasses

2009-01-20T12:46:00.001-08:00

Preston’s New Glasses

I am happy to announce that Preston looks like he is adjusting well to his new glasses. That is such a relief! Now let’s see if he does ok with his reading in school. He does get a little extra help with reading at school, so I will know soon enough.
I am noticing that his eye right now is not wandering outward as much.

I wanted to post a letter that I had received from Angie. She also explains that she too has been going through some tuff times and shares her thoughts, and looking forward to seeing my books in print.

Carmen,
I have been following yours and Preston's story since it began. You guys have always held a special place in my heart since we were neighbors many years ago and Preston and Paige were just newborn babies! It's sort of interesting to me that both our kids ended up with Amblyopia! I didn't even realize you were writing books for children until I read it in your blog, and I have to say, I am so excited to get my hands on a copy!! Paige continues to "patch" every day for 4 hours and for 6 hours on the weekends. We are being as aggressive as we can so hopefully we can cure her amblyopia and send her into adolescence without glasses. I especially want to read your books to her because just in recent months she has become more self conscious of herself. She recently told me that she didn't like the way she looks in her glasses, and she never wants to wear her eye patch out in public. I am so proud of you for taking the inactive to write these books. I know they will benefit kids like your Preston and my Paige and so many other kids out there that suffer from this diagnosis. I also know that it will bring the much needed awareness to the diagnosis! Please let me know when I can get my hands on a copy of your book! And in the mean time, we should get together and let Paige and Preston be real life Patch Buddies!
Love ya lots, Angie

Preston's New Glasses

2009-01-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Preston Get’s New Glasses

Today was a beautiful Colorado sunny day. You could not beat the temperature for January in the 50’s.

Preston had to take his basketball pictures today. He was really excited to take them. I in other hand dread going, because it is always so crowded to many people at the same time and I can’t wait to get out. After we were done we needed to go get Preston his new glasses with new prescription.
Like I said earlier we go so often that when we walk in the door they say hi Preston ready to get some new glasses.
We really do like the manager she is always so pleasant and makes us feel at ease.
Yorkk decided to get insurance on both pair of his glass, since we have been going in every 4 months having to get new lenses.
Preston tried them on and when he did he did not like it. He said everyone’s heads look smaller. Will they probably do? The doctor had to lower his prescription because his left eye started to wander out. She also lowered it on his previous appointment for the same reason. Since his eye still continued to go out ward he was sporting a couple of new pair of glasses.

The manager got Prestons glasses to fit him and he wore one pair home. When he got home he took of the glasses and asked for his old pair. Poor guy he has to really work hard now to get his eyes to focus. I had a little talk with him and so did Yorkk. We explained to him that it would take some time for his eyes to get adjusted and for his eyes to focus and work together.
I will see how he does with them on Sunday. He might have to wear them for a couple of hours and give his eyes a break and put them back on again. If I see Preston really struggling I will call his Doctor and let her know what is going on. Maybe she can change it to a little bit stronger. I just don’t want to see him struggling to read. He already asked me that question.
Mom what if I can’t see the letters when I try to read. I told him not to worry about it; we would both work at it and make sure that you will be able to see the letters.
Preston knows that if there is an issue I will make sure we take care of it together and not to worry. We will know soon enough.
I do have to say Preston looks very cute in his new glasses.

Beau Goes Back To The Vet Plus a note from Nili

2009-01-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Beau gets his stitches out

Beau had surgery about 10 days ago to have a skin tag removed from his chest that filled up with blood. We had a biopsy on it, when we got the results back it was not cancerous. That was great news to hear!
I took Beau back to the vet’s office yesterday to have his stitches removed and it all looked good.
Beau has to wear a t-shirt so he doesn’t lick the area, it is so funny to see, because he looks like a football player and of course he is still walking around with his droopy eye. Poor guy he has had a tuff time. To top it off he started to get sick from the antibiotics and lost three pounds. I made him some boiled chicken and rice now he is doing much better. He is a real trooper.
It also made Preston happy because that’s his buddy! He sleeps in his room, but on his own bed.
Preston had a basket ball game last night and his team won. I have to say Preston had a great game he scored 3 baskets. Those boys just have such a great time. It also helps that they have a wonderful coach.

I wanted to add something to my blog today form an email I received yesterday evening. It really touched my heart! This really confirms to me that what I am doing is the right thing and to never to doubt myself. I will write her back sometime today. I have some questions I would like to ask her and I will post our conversation on my blog.
There is a Doctor on my blog she had written about the guide lines and etc. her name is Dr Liz T. you should reference back to her comment and read it. I know one of the things that Nili is talking about the pediatricians not picking up on that. I had the same issue. They are not trained to see that. I wish they were. I will write back later on Nili’s letter. Here it is.

Hi Carmen,

I’ve been meaning to write to you for some time. We found out that Collin can’t see out of his right eye. This summer he talked about his bad eye but Chris and I just thought he was being silly. He is my little joker of the family. He is always doing things to make us laugh only this time he was serious. We felt terrible when he went to Kindergarten and failed the eye test. We knew Collin wasn’t joking and sent him to a pediatric eye specialist. My sister in law has a step son that goes to the same place so she filled me in on how it works.

Collin’s has a stigmatism and what they call lazy eye. His vision is 20/80 in that eye. Why didn’t my pediatrician find this out earlier. We went to the check ups every year and they didn’t detect it. When our Dr did find out she was apologetic. Now she is doing the eye exam part of the check up herself instead of the nurse. Her son has the same diagnosis as Collin so she had been extremely helpful. He is a grown man now and his transformation was successful.

Well, its been 2 months since he’s been wearing his glasses and now he has to patch his eye for 4 hours a day. In the beginning he was frustrated with the patch so we tried the cloth one and then the sticky one. I felt like this shouldn’t be so hard for him. The next day was way worse. Now he was having headaches and crying. Thank god he didn’t have to do this at school or he would be having melt downs. We have started an incentive for wearing it but I know that he hates it. He tries to cheat and I feel bad for him. I know he has to wear it to get his brain to use that eye. What a struggle.

There was only one book about patching at the library and I was very disappointed. It is so nice to know that you are writing these books!
These kids need them and really so do we as parents!

Life is a bunch of lessons to learn. Collin and I will be learning them together. I will be strong for him.

Lots of Love,
Nili

Writing My Query Letter

2009-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Query/Cover Letter

I have been working really hard on trying to write a query letter. I have been going to several web sites and some are different the than the others. I need to write the best one I possibly can. It is my sales pitch, if they don’t like it; most of them won’t even read your manuscript. I have worked to hard to give up. I feel I have a pretty strong one now. I will also work on one more and will send it to my editor and she will give me her thoughts. I just think it is so important for me to get these books published.
As all of you alreadyl know now about Preston.
My son Preston has Amblyopia in is left eye.
I have written these books to hopefully be able to help my son and many other children. By bringing awareness to prevent blindness.This is a quest and a journey that I am hoping will be a start of something incredible and a positive outcome.One of my goals is to be able to help raise money for children that there families can not afford to have eye exams glasses etc. What a shame that they can not see the world as most of us do, when there are things we can do.
There just isn't enough awareness out there. I want to be able to raise it.
The book's that I have written will let the children connect and relate to them.These books can be used as a tool to help them cope while wearing the eye patch. And take them to a fun place while patching and encourage them to patch. Make eye patching a fun thing not a burden.
Talking about Preston I better go get him school.

Thank you

2009-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

My Personal Journey as Preston's mother part 4

I would like to start this off today by saying Thank you! To everyone that has been supporting
me through this journey. I t has made it easier for me to continue. I love Reading your kind words, and you believing in me.
It has touched me deeply in my soul!
We will make a difference!
I have posted some of the comments and endorsements from different people. You have taking your time out of your day to share your thoughts and that means so much to me.
Thank you all for following me on my blog. I will continue to write.

I will be so happy and proud when the day comes and the books get published. Than the children and parents will be able to enjoy a wonderful life challenging and love, problem solving and adventurous books.
We will make awareness to Amblyopia and to low vision. Hopefully than parents and or guardians will look at the vision guide lines and take their children in to be screened with the time guide lines.

I wanted to add another comment that came from Tiffany

Hi Carmen! I'm glad to hear Preston had a positive eye exam. It takes baby steps but his eye sight will slowly improve if he keeps up with patching.By the way, Chase had asked if you were going to come back to the classroom and read to them some more about Preston. I told him I would ask if you had a new story to read to them.Keep up with the blogging so I can keep up with your life!Tiff

Tiffany thank you for your note.
I have started on a couple of new stories but of course right now I am working diligently on getting my last steps done so I can send off my manuscripts to a Tradional Publisher.
I also have been working on something else very positive that could really help me bring awareness and also talk about my books. As soon as I get more information I will be sharing it with everyone hopefully soon!
I now need to go help Preston with his homework, he also has basketball practice. Preston is patching right now before he goes to practice.
Thanks again!

Make it a great day!

2009-01-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Carmen,

Hey wanted to send you a note letting you know I am following your blog however for some reason unknown to me I am unable to sign up as a follower. The good news however I do have it saved to my favorites and check it weekly for updates.

Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Patty "Trish" SchaeferMake it a great day!

Comment From Shae

2009-01-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

Carmen,

What you are doing...WOW! I am so very impressed with what you are doing for Preston and I feel very strongly that you will be helping others. With either understanding of this affliction or helping someone cope.

Keep up the good work.

Shae

The Holidays

2009-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are over

I love that time of the season it is my favorite, but it is also allot of work at the same time. There is one thing I always look forward to doing every year is to drive every one crazy with all my holiday music.

Preston is all year round school so he was off for almost 6 weeks so I had my hands full. My mother in-law Mimi, in town she drove with her dog Riley from Indiana she wanted to make sure she made it in town in time for Preston’s basketball game and she did. That was the first time ever able to see him playing in any sports. I was so happy to see that Preston had a wonderful game! Mimi was so proud to see her grandson and do so well.

My brother in-law Craig and his black lab Scarlet drove down from the mountains a few days after Mimi being in town.
I did not have any of my family unfortunately come over for the dinner it just did not work out this year. I was a little bit sad about it but we still had a great time.

Mimi and I shopped I think everyday! The guys were also busy doing there own thing. Through all this hustle and bustle we had to make sure that Preston was still eye patching.
We would play uno and make him wear his patch while playing because he wanted to play so bad it was easy to get him to patch.
He also patches when he plays play station or watches TV. When he got guitar hero for Christmas he also would patch. We tried to associate eye patching with something fun and positive. Of course he didn’t always want to patch when doing certain things and would make up excuses why he didn’t want to patch at the time.

Preston's Big Day!

2009-01-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

PRESTON’S 8TH BIRHTDAY PARTY

I am a little late writing about his birthday. Like I said earlier I am going to be playing catch up. His birthday was Dec 4th.
I want to thank you so much for coming back and reading my blog writings.

Preston had about 12 little boys come to his party. I decided to have it at our home in the basement.
My sister in-law Lynda and my daughter Calla helped me with the party. Thank goodness they were there!
These boy’s have a allot of energy and that’s just fine with me just as long as we keep them all busy and that they had a good time.

We had Bakugan party and tournament, which is very popular now with the young boys. They had crafts to make and they played air hockey. We had of course 2 different types of cakes that they could pick from. They also had hotdogs and chips. The party lasted for 3 hours I think next time we will have it for only 2 hours. Preston opened his presents and took pictures with all his friends. Each child got a goodie bag and then they went home.
Lynda helped me clean up; boy was it nice that she was there to help me. I was for thankful for her and my daughter.
Preston was really good about patching after his party while he played with all his new toys.

Preston's Eye exam

2009-01-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

PRESTON’S CHECK UP AT THE EYE DOCTORS OFFICE

Preston was a little nervous to go today since he just turned 8 years old. By the age of eight the Doctor really wanted to see a difference in Preston. Unfortunately he is the same as our last visit. But the previous visit he did get a little bit better. By patching he has showing a difference from the beginning so that is encouraging. The doctor wants to give him to the age of 9 years old. She wanted to get Preston on his weak eye to a 2050 with correction in case anything would ever happen to his good eye that he would be able to drive, but we will not put that out there he will be just fine. Preston does now read a few letters with his glasses on, on the 2050 line, so for right now we will keep on patching and see what happens in the future. This is why I want to get my Patch Land books out in print to help other children.

The good thing is he didn’t get any worse. She did say that she had to give him a less of a prescription for his new lenses. Prestons left eye has been starting to wander out, because lenses are so strong. The doctor changed it last visit and now she feels she needs to lessen it again. I hope that it doesn’t make a huge difference to him. Doctor D. said that it will force him to use both eyes to focus and he will continue to keep patching! The little guy also has to deal with his stigmatism. I tell you though he walked out with a smile.
That’s my boy!
Preston and I have been going to the same place for his new lenses and frames now for about the last 2 years or so. We work with a lady named Tammy she is fabulous!! She’s the manager. I tell you that if it wasn’t for her making it as pleasant experience as possible I would just be a mess, she also explains every detail to us and what would be the best deal for us. I just want her to know that Preston and I thank her so much!
There is also a guy named Brandon and he is the manager for the lab part and he is great!! He always remembers Preston and comes out and talks to him. It is nice to know that there are people that are still out there that sincerely care about costumer service!

Happy New Year!!! 2009

2009-01-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

Playing Catch up with my Blog Writings.

I just wanted to say that I feel like I am repeating what I had said earlier. I have not written in a couple of weeks and I have so much to a say.
I have had my husband’s family in town for a couple of weeks for the holidays.
I am now starting to get to a point that I feel I will be able to set down and write about what has been happening and believe me there has been a lot going on.

I will write in the next couple of days and try to catch up as much as possible.
I do want to mention that Preston has an eye appointment on Monday the 5th, and I will be able to share with you what his doctor has to say. I am keeping my fingers crossed for some good news.

Let's all hope for a wonderful 2009!!!

A Note from Dr. Liz T.

2008-12-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Carmen,

I admire what you are doing very much. We need more moms like you to help spread the word about early vision exams to prevent amblyopia. I have recently been doing vision screenings at my childrens' school and have found a few kids with probable amblyopia. They, like many other children have never had an eye exam. The American Optometric Association recommends the first eye exam from 6 mo to 1 year, then three years of age and then again right before entering school. After that, eye exams should occur every one to two years. While many pediatricians are doing a great job encouraging children to get an eye exam at an early age, there are so many who do not.

It is great that Preston's eye is getting better. If he is seeing 20/80 now, he is not considered legally blind. That is wonderful. Legal blindness is 20/200 with best correction. What does his doctor think his potential acuity could be?

You are an awesome mom and Preston is lucky to have you. I look forward to seeing your books and helping you promote them if you need help.

Liz (Dr. T.)

Beau goes to the eye specailist

2008-12-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Today was the day I was going to find out what was wrong with our boy Beau. We were in the waiting area and Beau was getting to see other dogs that were there for some really serious reasons and it just broke my heart when I saw a mother and daughter coming out crying.

Dogs really become part of the family and to have to put them down or know that they have some serious illness is heart breaking.

People in the waiting room were giving Beau compliments even with a bummed eye, and believe me he was loving it.

Here comes the eye specialist, he ask if this is Beau and I said yes really nervous. He introduced himself and said Beau is a good looking boy. We followed him into the exam room and asked me a few questions and put drops in his eyes and waited to see if his 3rd eye lid would go down with the drops and it did.
He said just what I thought. I asked him what and he said Beau has Horner’s Syndrome, I never have heard of it. The Doctor explained to me that Horner’s syndrome is a loss of sympathetic never supply to the eye, eyelids and muscles that dilate the pupil. The sympathetic nerves are part of the nervous system that control “automatic” body functions.
I said ok will what caused it and what can we do about it? He said that the signs associated with Horner’s syndrome are usually unilateral (one sided). They include, drooping of the upper eyelid, constriction of the pupil sinking of the eye, and elevation of the 3rd eyelid. That is exactly what Beau’s eye looks like.

He said that in most cases, the cause of Horner’s Syndrome is idiopathic, or unknown. However anything can create a disruption in the nervous pathway can cause Horner’s syndrome i.e. trauma/injury, infection and tumors. We are thinking maybe injury, he could have hit his face or playing with our other little dog Dunhill.
For most dogs, the signs associated with idiopathic Horner’s Syndrome will resolve within 6 months. They say it isn’t painful.
In some cases Horner’s Syndrome will interfere with vision because the eye is covered by the third eyelid.

We are going to wait and not do any MRI”S at the moment and hope that it will go away so we will just have to play the waiting game. I have faith he will be just fine!!
It is a little bit ironic that Beau his patching buddy is having issues with his left eye, just like in our books.
He will also get better!

Beau goes to the Vet

2008-12-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

My Personal Journey as Preston’s Mother

Part Three

I have been so busy the last few weeks that I have neglected my blog writings.
I want to start off by telling you a little story about my dog Beau; he is a 5 year old Weimaraner. Beau is Preston’s eye patch buddy in my children’s books.

I was eating a little bit of lunch before I went to help Preston’s class with the Thursday folders.
I looked over to Beau and noticed that his left eye looked a little weird, I thought will maybe he’s just tired.
I went to Preston’s class and worked on the Thursday folders, when I was done with them I went to run some errands.
I picked up Preston after school at 2:45 pm.
When we got home I ran over to Beau to take a look at his eye to see if it was any different. It definitely was, for the worse! So I called my Vet’s office and she was not in but said I could come in and see a different vet, of course I said yes.
Beau’s eye was red and droopy.

The stand in Vet said she wasn’t sure what was wrong said it could be conjunctivitis which means pink eye. She told us to put a cone on his head and prescribed antibiotics and an eye cream.
Beau’s eye did not get any better so I took him back to the vet’s on Monday andBeau got to see his regular vet.
She said that it looks like he could have nerve damage, or could be caused by a tumor. That is why his left eye is dropping and 3rd eyelid is covering half his eye and told us we should take him in to see an eye specialist and to take him off the antibiotics.

When we got home I was really worried and called and made an appointment for the next day. Preston asked me if Beau was going to wear an eye patch like him.
It happens to be the same eye as Preston’s weak eye, the left one. I told Preston we will see when we take him in the morning.

Beau goes to the eye specialist

A Comment from Richard F.

2008-11-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

A Comment from Richard F.

Richard is the director of development in the Rocky Mountain Region, of “Foundation Fighting Blindness”. I thought his words were very kind and, I decided to write it in my journal. His comment goes like this.

Carmen,I can tell that your blog is very personal and insightful to what it is like for Preston, you and your family. That's great! This will give others of visually challenged children an opportunity to see what it is like and how they can be empowered and rise above these challenges. Life goes on!Could you send me an outline or summary of your book and what it will cover and maybe even an excerpt from the book to read?That way I can get a flavor of how you write and your perspective.

Thanks for being a light in the darkness!

Richard

Shortly after his comment was posted on my blog, I became a board member of the Foundation.
I had attended a chapter meeting in the early summer time, and had so much respect for the people and the Doctor that I had meet. They are working so hard to make a difference.
I am honored to be on the board! I know that it does not directly deal with my son Preston’s eye issues, but it is still low vision and blindness.

Mimi

2008-11-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

Preston’s Grandmother Mimi

I just wanted to acknowledge Preston’s Grandmother Becky. We call her Mimi; she is my husband’s mother.
Mimi has been one of Preston’s strongest supporters and cheerleaders. Mimi sends Preston care packages as an incentive for him to patch everyday. She has been sending him packages for almost four years, right from the start! She truly does love her grandson!
I wanted to say Thank you for loving him so much and wanting him to get better!

When I first told Becky about my idea writing children’s books, and why I wanted to write them. It was because; I really want to help Preston and other children with the challenges and low vision. She was so happy for me and thought that it was a great Idea to write the Patch Land Books.

Becky wanted to let me know that her support was there in whatever it was that I needed to get started, as a children’s book author. I was very excited to hear the enthusiasm in her voice over the phone that it brought little tears I have to say. I could tell that she knew how important this is to me, to get these books out in print and start to bring awareness about Amplyopia and low vision, and also to help the children use the books as a patching tool.

Becky Lives in Indiana and comes to see us in Colorado as much as possible. She bought some mountain property, and we go there in the summer time and camp. Preston loves it there, because there is so much to do. I was able to bring some real life experiences into the book of Patch Land because of Mimi! Once my books are in print you will be able to read the stories and see how much fun Preston has on his adventures.

I could go on and on, I just wanted to make sure that people know she was a big part of putting all this together!
Thanks again Mimi we love ya!

Preston Starts 2nd Grade!

2008-11-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

Preston Starts 2nd Grade!

Preston started 2nd grade a little while ago, and he really likes his teacher Ms. Dey. She is a perfect match for Preston as an educator and person. She understands Preston’s personality and challenges and makes sure he gets the help that he needs. He does struggle a little bit with his reading so he gets the help that he needs a couple of times a week. During class time, he will have to leave for awhile, all to help him get to the reading level that he needs to be at. When he is done he will come back to class and join the rest of his classmates.
I have Preston read to me in the evenings as much as possible. He has shown improvement since he has started 2nd grade and that makes me so happy! I just hope with time he can get to the reading level he needs to be at. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
It is hard to figure out if he is having issues seeing the words or not, when he is reading in evening with his glasses on he puts the book right up to his face very close.
Preston will be going to see his eye Doctor the 1st week of Jan. before he tracks back on to school so, I will find out than and we will go from there. What ever it is we need to do we will.
I will keep you all posted on that!
Preston started 2nd grade a little while ago, and he really likes his teacher Ms. Dey. She is a perfect match for Preston as an educator and person. She understands Preston’s personality and challenges and makes sure he gets the help that he needs. He does struggle a little bit with his reading so he gets the help that he needs a couple of times a week. During class time, he will have to leave for awhile, all to help him get to the reading level that he needs to be at. When he is done he will come back to class and join the rest of his classmates.
I have Preston read to me in the evenings as much as possible. He has shown improvement since he has started 2nd grade and that makes me so happy! I just hope with time he can get to the reading level he needs to be at. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
It is hard to figure out if he is having issues seeing the words or not, when he is reading in evening with his glasses on he puts the book right up to his face very close.
Preston will be going to see his eye Doctor the 1st week of Jan. before he tracks back on to school so, I will find out than and we will go from there. What ever it is we need to do we will.
I will keep you all posted on that!

A Review From A Great Friend!

2008-11-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Carmen,

It is 6:33 am as I read your Blogs about this incredible journey little Preston You, and Yorkk have been on, I can barely contain myself as I am tearing up cause I love you all so much, The Doctors who made those incorrect diagnosis should be ashamed of they're incompetence, but sweetheart let me tell you that your writing of these Patchland books are a gift from GOD, Many Great things are born out of trials and I thank The Most High GOD that our Preston is showing improvement in his eyes (Hallelujah). Carmen this is my observations in reading your writings, first of all you are an Author whom writes children's books, not a writer of children's books.

Love You and I am very proud of you keep up the good work
Greg
Former NFL Defensive Linesman

Summer time fun!

2008-10-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

My Personal Journey Part 2

Preston loves the summer time like any other child, because they get to play. NO school! Unfortunately for Preston he has to still continue to patch. We have to get creative sometimes because he is a very active child. He skate boards, rides his dirt bike, rides his regular bike, and those are just some of the things that he enjoys doing that are unsafe for him to patch and do. When he plays his video games that is a great time for him to patch. His eye really has to work hard and that is great! The Doctor recommends that, how fun! And he can play that with his father. I love that because they get the father son bonding time.
He also loves to swim, and he can not wear his patch while swimming, and by the time he gets home he is so tired. when he patches it makes it difficult for him to see even the TV. I try to make him wear it in the morning before we leave and in the car going, he will give me a good fight sometimes, and I feel bad and so I sometimes say okay Preston, but when we get home you need to patch, and that doesn’t always happen. I get so mad at myself I just have to remind him and me the reason I make him patch is because I love him!

Forward letter from Dr. DeSantis

2008-10-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Amblyopia is the leading cause of blindness in children. It is one hundred percent treatable with early detection and intervention. Successful intervention often depends on patching or occlusion of the better eye. By bringing awareness, understanding, and community support for amblyopia and its treatment, Carmen Swick’s books will hopefully help children to accept their own patches or encourage support of one another to patch faithfully when necessary, thus helping to improve amblyopia outcomes. I applaud Ms. Swick’s efforts to this end and congratulate her son Preston for being an inspiration to his mother and to children who are faced with amblyopia themselves or in a friend or family member.

Dr. Diana DeSantis

East Coast Aunt Sandy

2008-10-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

I want to say that I decided to post this email as part of my blog instead of in the comment spot. My Aunt Sandy had wrote me this email. I just wanted to post it and let all of you have a chance to read it. She is a very warm kind person and it shows through her kind words. I have not heard or spoken to her in such a long time to long! She heard about Preston's eye issues through my blog. This email just made me want to get my book into print soon as possible! There are other children and adults that have to patch that have not been diagnosed with Ambloypia. Low vision can happen in so many differnt ways. I will make sure that when my books get published that Aaron gets a copy of Patch Land. Here is the email below.

Hi Carmen,
So sorry to hear about the trying times you and Yorkk have had to endear with your super trooper Preston. It must be very hard for you as parents to be forced to try and make progress while knowing it is creating pain and discomfort. I am sure you are on top of this and your little guy will overcome this bump in the road. It is great that he is given the opportunity to carry on with all of his activities right along with the rest of his friends. It is most important that you continue to search out the best pediatric doctors. It sounds like you have found a good match for Preston and research confirms if this diagnosis is treated before the age of 10 the results are very favorable-so hang in there!
Our little guy in Connecticut (Aaron) has also endured eye complications. He had a very bad eye injury when he was 4yrs old and now he is 6yrs and had 4 surgery's and the Doctors have decided it is the best it will be. He caught his eye on a hanger in the children's dept of Old Navy and it completely ripped his eye lid off--this involved surgery to reattach muscle, repair tear ducts, and of course many days of patch's and drops. He also is a super trooper and proving to be another resilient amazing young man. He will never have 20/20 in fact he is at 20/80 like Preston was. Well you be sure to patch if that is recommend by your new doctor. I am sure it is tough but it sounds like he has a wonderful Mom and Dad that will be cheering him on every step of the way.
I cant wait to read your books, It sounds like great therapy and a terrific idea!
Love Aunt Sandy

I Read to Dr. DeSantis

2008-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

I read one of my books Patch Land to Dr. DeSantis, and she loved it. I also read her a letter of what I wanted to accomplish by writing these books. She liked what I was trying to do with the books, the concept of being able to use it as a tool for children struggling to patch and bring awareness to Amplyopia, or for any child having to patch for other medical reasons, and for the ones that don’t have to patch, it would educate people at the same time. Patch Land books are wonderful books full of adventures and problem solving. A child gets to escape for awhile how wonderful is that!

The forward letter for the books

Doctor DeSantis Excited!

2008-10-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Doctor Desantis was so excited to tell us that there was a small improvement the last couple of visits. She said it might not be a big improvement but like she says we will take it. I just gave her a big hug! It was so nice to finally hear those words. I had told Dr. DeSantis about my books while ago, and at one appointment I brought my books with me and asked her if I could read one of them to her and If I could also really quick read her what I wanted to accomplish by writing these books. The wonderful Doctor and person that she is said yes. I was really excited and nervous at the same time.

Reading the Books to Dr. DeSantis

Preston was showing a little improvement

2008-10-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

I wrote in my books that Preston started to show improvement and he really did! I was so happy to hear such wonderful news From Doctor DeSantis at one of his eye appointments, And to know that by writing these children’s books Patch Land have contributed a little to that. I loved the fact that Preston was able to use it as one of his a tools to patch.

The Doctor was very excited!

Reading to Preston's 1st grade class

2008-10-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

I did go to Preston’s class that following week. I read to the children in small groups, for two days that week. They gave me there feed back, and I answered question’s for them. Than I started too notice they were able to understand why Preston had to patch and wear glasses. I could see that Preston had some self confidents when the children told him how cool that his mother wrote books about him and that they really liked his dog Beau in the books. It was also nice to see that the children could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Some of the children also asked Preston some questions, and you could see Preston’s face just light up! He was no longer embarrassed, and at that point I realized I needed to get these books published and out there for people to read, and hopefully be able to help many other children with low vision, and for the children that don’t have low vision, That it would help them understand why there are children out there in the world that do, and at the same time enjoy these wonderful adventure books.

“The books really did help Preston”

My Personal Journey as Preston's Mom

2008-10-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

I started writing the books and noticed Preston really took an interest to it. He was the main character and loved the whole process with me. He told his teacher all about the books. Preston’s teacher had asked me if I would like to come in to his 1st grade class and read the Patch Land books to the children. Of course I said yes! That it would be such a great opportunity for me to get feed back from the children, and see if I needed to revise the books a little bit more, because as we know they will tell you the truth if you want to hear it or not.

The Day I Went to Read Patch Land To Preston’s Class

Race for the cure 2008

2008-10-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Race for the Cure 2008

Today was a very special day! Sunday Oct. 5 Race for the cure. I wanted to add something different to my personal journey. I support the
www.komendenver.org
My mom passed away several years ago from breast cancer. I feel that we were cheated from a wonderful mother, and a grandmother that my children and nieces have never had a chance to meet. I miss her very much! She was a very kind and warm hearted person.
My mother even on her last days here on this earth would wake up with a smile and say please don’t be sad because that will make me sad! She was a very strong person she suffered with the horrible disease Cancer. One day she left us to be in a much better place where she would no longer suffer. I was happy that she was no longer suffering and in pain but, in a very selfish way that did not stop me from painfully missing her and wanting her to be here with us!
I started to write down my feelings and would also write some poems after she had passed away; I guess that is how I would deal with my pain. Years later that is how I am dealing with my son’s eye issues and also to make a difference in this world. I guess what I am saying I never thought that I would be writing children’s books. Looking back and remembering how I use to stay up at night and cry and write at the same time was a wonderful way to release my pain. I am doing the same thing now with my son Preston and also helping other children deal with there low vision. I have lost what I wrote about my mom so many years ago, but it is still in my heart.
This year I decided to put a team together in the memory of my mother. My mother’s name was Paquita, so I decided to call our team
“Paquita’s Earth Angles”. I am now a team captain. We had 18 people that joined my team; some have walked before some have never walked for the cure. I was so happy walking with so many people on our team. For my first year of putting a team together not to bad. It was a wonderful feeling! I am so grateful for everyone that was out there today and not just my team members, we were all there for the same purpose to find a cure for breast cancer. Today was a day of people from all walks of life, different political views all that was set aside to raise money to help stop this horrible disease, breast cancer! I wanted to thank my team so much for getting up early and getting pledges, and hopefully next year we will even do better!. If you see our team out there next year please say hi! I guess it is time to rest my tired feet till next time.
Good Night.

My personal Journey as Prestons mom

2008-10-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Preston had to start patching his good eye so we could make his weak eye stronger. Unfortunately he could not see since his vision was so poor with corrective lenses it was a 20/80 in his left eye. It was a struggle everyday for him to patch. We tried everything to get him to patch.
We went back to see Dr. Desantis and she had informed us that his eye was not getting better and we need to work on this so the next visit we deicide to dilate his eye every other night.
He had just started Kindergarten and it was a good thing that he is a sharp young boy. He was having a little bit of difficulty seeing the letters poor guy.
After a year of dilating his eye and not seeing any real progress I told the Doctor we did not want to dilate his eye anymore it was interfering with his learning and no real progress she agreed.
So we ordered these really cool new eye patches that don’t stick to his eye lashes. We did incentives so he would patch. He would have to patch for a certain amount of time before we would give him a prize. My mother-law is wonderful, Her support and love, She sends him a care package and he gets new goodies to patch for and she writes him a note with each package giving him words of encouragement.
We are still not seeing the improvement we need I would catch him peeking when he would patch. I felt it was still a struggle and only seeing very little improvement.
My heart would drop every time we went back to see his Doctor and we would hear the words that there was not much improvement.
We knew he had to put allot more effort into patching and keep it going strong. Patching does work! you just have to make sure that he is not cheating and peeking. While we were hearing the not so good news I thought
I would ask the doctor if he was a little legally blind in his left eye she said not a little but he is legally blind in his left that is why we need to really work on it. If he were ever to hurt his other eye he would never be able to drive unless we could get the other eye stronger. I did not want to hear that and now I was really determined to do something else for Preston. On our way home it hit me I am going to write a children’s book on this topic and see if I can help Preston and other children through this process and bring awareness to Amblyopia. It is the # one cause in blindness in children if undetected.

This is when my journey started writing children’s books!

2008-09-17T15:51:00.001-07:00

I let a few month’s go by with hearing the same thing from Preston that he could not see and on top of all of it, she wanted him to patch his eye, what a disaster! One day I decided to call my husband and said that I had a bad feeling about Preston’s diagnoses and my husband said that he also agreed with me, he also said that if I felt so strongly about this than let’s take him in to someone else.
I asked for a referral to another eye doctor from one of Preston’s Pediatricians and they gave me the same doctor that my sister in-law had recommended. That is when I made an appointment and Yorkk and I took Preston in to see Dr. Desantis.
What my husband and I were getting ready to hear just broke our hearts. She had informed my husband and me that Preston had been on the wrong prescription for six months. I looked at my husband and just wanted to cry but Preston was in the room at the time. My Husband Yorkk had asked her if it could have done harm to his vision, she responded yes. It is very crucial that he had the right prescription for his eyes at this age. Here we are as parents wanting to protect our children and make things better, Will I felt like I just had failed my little guy.

Remembering the day’s of telling Preston you have to wear your glasses he would cry and say no mom I can’t see it is foggy, Will me not knowing at that time that it was doing him more harm than good to wear his glasses was just a horrible feeling.
Speaking with Dr. Desantis was such a different experience from our first doctor. She was wonderful was abouslutey how it should have been, she answered our questions and concerns and was very patient to educate us with Preston’s low vision issues and what we needed to do to turn this around. The doctor had explained to us that Preston has Amblyopia, accommodating estropia and Animestropia, just writing this down it is so hard and heart breaking.
I am tearing up because I knew that we had a long and tuff journey ahead of us, but I was determined has a mother that this is not about me or my husband and we needed to do what ever it took to help our son get better. So I had to turn those horrible feelings into a positive feeling and let Preston know he would get better!

Here we are the next phase with Preston’s challenge!

My Personal Journey as Preston's Mom

2008-09-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Raising a child with low vision.

Hello my name is Carmen Swick, Preston’s mother and book author of Patch Land Adventures hopefully to be published here in the near future. I wanted to share with you my personal journey that has brought me to this point and has inspired me to write these children’s books.
let me start by saying I never thought of my son Preston as having a handicap, but a challenge instead. Preston goes out there and always puts in 100%, and has never complained that he could not do something because of his eye sight. As a matter of fact he does great at whatever he tries to do. Here are a few examples of what Preston does - he play’s football, soccer, skate boards, skies, and loves to go dirt biking.
This is why I say we look at low vision, amblyopia, as a challenge.

I want to take you back a few years when Preston was just a little guy I used to wonder about his left eye. It would turn in a bit. I asked his pediatrician on a different couple of appointments what his thoughts were he said not to worry about it he was young.
I would like to take you back a few years when Preston was just a little guy I used to wonder about his left eye. It would turn in a bit. I had asked his pediatrician about my concern on couple of his appointments what his thoughts were about it, he said not to worry about it that he was young.

Well, my father-in-law asked me about his eye, he is a veterinarian by trade, and I explained to him what the doctor had told me. He oh really, ok and that he would not bring it up again, but to please to keep an eye on it.

On another occasion, my sister-in-law said that she was concerned about his eye as well. I told her the same thing that the doctor said he was not concerned about it. Michele at that time was going to school to learn how to assist an eye surgeon. Michele asked me if I would mind if she could just do her own testing on him, I said, “Of course, please do.” Preston was three years old at that time, will she came back to me and said I really would like you to take him into a pedetrian eye doctor; she said that he did not respond like he should have, I said ok that I would.
I went home that day and looked at the list of doctors on our insurance plan.

My husband Yorkk and I took him in to a doctor up the street. She said he had allot of eye issues and of course we were very upset. And that he needs to be wearing glasses now so we need to buy a pair of glasses for him. we were a little over whelmed so we tried asking her questions and she responded as if we were questioning her about the diagnoses and her intelligence,that was not our intension at all! but the fact is we were just trying to educate our self’s to help Preston better to coupe with his low vision and other eye issues she had mentioned. We went ahead and did what the doctor told us to do and ordered Preston his first pair of eye glasses.

We went home and after a couple of weeks I went to pick up his glasses and when he put them on he complained that they were foggy,I called and the doctor said not to worry he needs to get use to them they were a very strong prescription.

I took Preston to Pre-school a couple times a week, one of his little friends there, his mother is an eye doctor and I explained to her about my visit and concerns with Preston’s visit to the Eye Doctor and she asked me to bring Preston’s eye prescription to her so she could take a look at it. When she did take a look at it, she said to me that it did not make sense.
I also spoke with my sister in-law over the phone, I read the prescription to her and she said the same thing, that it does not make any sense.

This was just the beginning of our journey....