For parents, there’s nothing more terrifying than seeing their child suffer from a preventable illness. For Michelle Saaiman, that nightmare became a reality when her 16-month-old son, Juwan, contracted herpes simplex virus (HSV) in his cornea from a kiss. The virus caused irreparable damage to his eye, leaving him blind in that eye and facing the risk of losing his eye completely.
Michelle initially thought Juwan had an eye infection, but when antibiotic drops didn’t work, a specialist delivered the devastating news. The herpes virus had likely been transmitted by someone with an active cold sore who had kissed Juwan around his eye. Michelle was in shock, wondering if it was some kind of cruel joke. But the harsh reality soon set in, and Juwan’s condition worsened.
The herpes virus caused Juwan’s cornea to “melt away,” leading to a 4mm hole and complete blindness in that eye. Despite his tender age, Juwan has shown remarkable bravery in the face of excruciating pain. His parents have been by his side every step of the way, navigating the complexities of his treatment and fighting to save his vision.
The family has faced numerous challenges, including weeks of medical procedures, contacting experts in New York for the right medication, and living in constant fear that the herpes could spread to Juwan’s brain or his other eye. Although the virus has been somewhat contained, the damage to Juwan’s eye is irreversible, and his parents continue to fight for his vision.
Michelle is now raising awareness about the risks of spreading the herpes virus, highlighting the importance of being cautious when interacting with young children. She has shared her family’s story on Facebook, which has gone viral, and a fundraiser has been set up to help with the astronomical costs of Juwan’s treatment.
As Michelle so eloquently put it, “Kisses come from a place of love.” But in this case, that kiss had devastating consequences. This heart-wrenching story serves as a powerful reminder to always be mindful of the risks of spreading viruses, especially around vulnerable children.
