A high schooler in Rockford, Michigan is trying to raise $40,000 to help out a blind exchange student.

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Shamurat (Shon) is originally from Kyrgyzstan and came to Rockford, Michigan eight months ago as part of the Future Leaders Exchange Program.

What Is The Future Leaders Exchange Program?

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program provides scholarships for high school students from Europe and Eurasia to spend an academic year in the United States, living with a family and attending an American high school. The application process for the FLEX program has several stages, and the competition is intense. Only about one in fifty applicants are ultimately selected.

Credit: GoFundMe
Credit: GoFundMe
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Why Does Shon Need Help?

Shon has been blind since birth and around the age of three, he lost a majority of his hearing which is very important for a blind person to have for communication and to make sense of their surroundings.

Credit: GoFundMe
Credit: GoFundMe
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How Can You Help Shon Out?

Isabelle Glover shared on a Go Fund Me page why they are looking for donations to help her friend.

Shon was born blind and relies heavily upon his hearing. It was devastating to learn that he now has damage-causing profound hearing loss that requires extensive surgery to restore. Unfortunately, the surgery costs over $20,000 and needs to be done as soon as possible, in order to save his hearing. The surgeon believes that his hearing can be restored with over a 90% success rate. With your support, Shon will be able to have this surgery he so desperately needs. Your help will be life-changing!

The hearing loss surgery is half of the donation goal amount. The other $20,000 they are trying to raise will be to help Shon stay in the United States and attended college. Isabelle explained more on the Go Fund Me page

The type of Visa Shon currently holds requires him to return to Kyrgyzstan in June. Without proof of tuition payment for his first year ($17,000 for GRCC), Shon is not eligible to receive a Visa to return and attend college in the United States. In addition to his college and medical expenses, travel and visa paperwork in Bishkek is another financial hurdle. Flights alone are averaging over $3,000.  We are trying to help ensure funds are available, so he can return to the U.S. as soon as possible to continue with his studies and receive much-needed medical care.

 

If you want more information or would like to make a donation you can do it HERE

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