Anyone who’s had children has likely seen them suffer from eye infections now and then.
But when Michelle Saaiman took a closer look at her son’s eye, she made a horrifying discovery.
Michelle Saaiman’s 16-month-old son, Juwan, contracted herpes simplex virus (HSV) in his cornea from a kiss. Initially thought to be an eye infection, the condition worsened despite antibiotics. A specialist confirmed the devastating diagnosis, leaving Michelle heartbroken and in disbelief, as her son faced the reality of losing his eye.
Michelle and her husband were shocked when doctors revealed that a fever blister had grown in their son Juwan’s cornea. The herpes virus caused severe damage, leading to blindness in that eye as the cornea “melted away.” Juwan underwent amnion graft surgery in Cape Town, with further surgeries planned. Despite immense pain, Michelle says he’s been incredibly brave. The family remains angry at the person responsible, unaware of the harm caused by a simple kiss.
The family’s journey has been filled with uncertainty and emotional strain. Juwan’s parents faced weeks of medical procedures, contacting experts in New York for the right medication, all while fearing the herpes virus could spread to his brain or other eye. Although the virus is somewhat contained, the damage to Juwan’s eye is irreversible, and his parents continue to fight for his vision.
Michelle, Juwan’s mother, is raising awareness about the serious risks of spreading the herpes virus. She shared the incident in a viral Facebook post, highlighting how something as simple as a kiss can cause irreversible harm. A fundraiser has been created to help with the costs of Juwan’s treatment, which includes expensive medication and flights to South Africa.
Michelle urges everyone to be cautious, especially around young children. “It’s been a long, hard road, and we’re doing everything we can to save our son’s eye.” This story serves as a powerful reminder of the risks of spreading viruses, and how crucial it is to be mindful of children’s health. Let’s continue to support Juwan and his family.
