Benefit Held for Local Man Needing Costly Eye Surgery

Imagine having an illness, losing your job, losing your health insurance, and are left fighting to help make ends meet; It’s a harsh reality one local man is facing, but he’s got the backbone of an entire community right behind him.

Mike Smith has had diabetes since he was three years old. He’s now 30 and is having trouble seeing with one of his eyes. He had surgery a year ago and had an implant put in for it to heal, but now, after losing his job and health insurance, he can’t afford to have the implant removed. That’s when Mike’s Mom, Debbie Smith took action.

"We’re having a benefit so that he can pay some hospital bills and doctor bills because he also has his insulin pump to keep up with and a lot of medical bills," said Smith.

Dozens of friends and family came out Sunday to the Roseville Community Center for the benefit leaving Mike himself quite surprised.

"I just want to thank everybody that donated, everyone that showed up, we’ve had a lot of support from everyone in the community, it’s been really nice," said Smith.

Sunday’s goal was to raise around 7,000 dollars. Mike’s surgery is scheduled for early November. If you missed the benefit, but would still like to donate, an account has been set up at Waterford Bank in Crooksville.