Published Caption: Nevada Appeal file photo
Before his sight-saving operation for glaucoma, Don Lamb tried to stay upbeat even though his vision was almost gone and doctors gave him lousy odds for the success of surgery.
Now, three months after the procedure, made possible by donations from residents and doctors, he's just plain happy, Lamb said Thursday from Placerville, Calif., where he was visiting family.
"I really am happy," Lamb said.
The May surgery not only saved the vision he had remaining, as his doctor had hoped, but he regained the ability to see in front of him. No longer does he have to cock his head to the side to get a good look at something.
"No more walking into poles," the former sportsbook supervisor said with a laugh.
Diagnosed in 2005 with glaucoma, Lamb was desperate for the $5,000 surgery. His eyes had deteriorated to the point that he could no longer work. Without an income, he could not afford to spend all of his savings on a procedure with no guarantees.
Following a story in the Nevada Appeal, the community reached out to the single man who, with a wink, declined to reveal his age.
Before long, enough had been raised to pay for the surgery. Then his doctor donated his time. Then the surgery center donated their rooms. Then another doctor donated Lamb his glasses.
Most of them strangers, Lamb said in disbelief.
But "stranger" has taken on a different meaning for him.
"It's like a whole community came together for me. There's no words to explain it. It just makes you feel good," he said. "You really know who your friends aren't and it seems like you make new friends - and most of them are friends that you haven't even met."