MECHANICSVILLE, Va.—Doug Hart is a 29-year-old member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., a husband, a father of three children and an industrial plumber. During the past several months his life has been turned upside down with the diagnosis of a debilitating disease called ocular histoplasmosis.
Doug and Kim Hart and their children.
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Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in soil where bird and bat droppings have accumulated, such as chicken coops, caves and old buildings. Hart frequently works in older buildings where he might have been exposed to the fungus. Fungal spores can become airborne if the soil is disturbed and then inhaled.
On Feb. 4 Hart woke with blindness in his left eye, says his wife, Kimberly. At present he has lost all sight in that eye and has multiple lesions on his right eye. Currently he’s receiving injections into his eyes and waiting to see if he’s a candidate for surgery.
“Doug’s biggest fear is losing his sight completely and not being able to work to support his family,” says his wife. Poplar Springs Church has rallied to help them, in spirit and in deed.
Members have brought dinners and provided transportation for the children. They’ve taken over the yard work. Kimberly says “Team Hart” is helping raise money for medical expenses. It also got a group together to remove a 70-foot red oak tree that fell during a recent hurricane. Volunteers worked for three days splitting and stacking the wood.
Poplar Springs has a monthly coffeehouse and some have suggested an auction where members donate items to help raise money. A benefit dinner may be planned combined with other organizations.
“Even with the disease and medical costs facing him, Doug still remains upbeat and supportive, as he has a pure heart and loving soul.” Kimberly says. Her passion has now become making more people aware of the disease, especially those in high-risk professions such as farmers, construction workers and landscapers.
More information about Hart is available at www.giveforward.com/douglashartgiftofsight. Information about a nonprofit organization to raise awareness of the disease can be found at www.fightforsight.co.