By: Kaitlyn Carver
SYLVA – Jackson County native Trevor Gates believed he would never see again.
But, by a twist of fate, this SCC student may have the opportunity to regain his vision through the miracle of technology, and the generosity of his community.
Although he always had vision problems, Gates’ eyesight began to deteriorate quickly at age 22. He could no longer see faces, or walk around safely.
His vision problems even baffled doctors at Duke University, where they finally determined that the problem was with his brain, not his eyes.
“I was concerned about my future,” said Gates, a current student in SCC’s Human Services Technology program. “I wondered how I could continue to be successful in school, and pursue the career of my dreams. I had a support system that helped me stay strong, but I had given up hope of ever seeing clearly again.”
Through a mutual friend, Gates came in contact with Dr. Mary Sedgwick and learned how she had regained her sight after 15 years of being blind through special glasses called eSight. He was able to meet with Dr. Sedgwick and try on a pair of these glasses he thought were too good to be true.
“When I tried on these glasses, I saw another human being’s face for the first time in what felt like forever,” said Gates. “With these glasses, I saw more than what I thought I could ever see again. Being able to see the color of someone’s eyes may not sound like anything special to some people, but to me, it was the happiest I’ve been in years.”
After nearly losing his mother to addiction, Gates decided he would make it his life mission to help others who were struggling through life. His goal is to eventually earn his doctorate in clinical psychology to become a therapist. He is set to graduate SCC in May.
This past spring, Gates was honored at SCC’s Academic Awards Ceremony as the Bob Scott Leadership Award recipient.
"Trevor has accomplished so much while attending SCC,” said Mitch Fischer, dean of Health Sciences at SCC. “His classmates look to him for inspiration and leadership. There is no limit to what Trevor might accomplish if given back the gift of sight."
Trevor is set to transfer to Western Carolina University in the fall to continue pursuing his educational goals.
“Having these eSight glasses would make me a better therapist in the future, because I would be able to read body language, and connect with people on a deeper level,” said Gates.
To read more about Trevor Gates’ story, or to donate toward his cause, click here.
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| Trevor Gates, pictured here. |
