UCI Giving Day 2023

Tommy Pham-28 Challenge: 28 gifts unlock $3,000 in support of the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF)

This Giving Day, support what matters most to you. At the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF), an educational program of the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, our mission it is to raise awareness of keratoconus and to provide information and support to those with this eye condition.   

Kerataconus, also known as KC, is a vision disorder that is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults. KC causes the normally round cornea to become thin and irregular (cone-shaped), resulting in serious visual impairment and blindness. There is no cure, although there are effective treatments to preserve vision. As the world’s premier organization focusing on keratoconus, NKCF raises public awareness and provides vital advocacy and education for affected families.

NKCF ambassador and professional baseball player Tommy Pham has risen to the highest level of his game while defying keratoconus, which can cause serious visual impairments and blindness. Diagnosed in 2008, Pham is one of the most recognized professional athletes living with keratoconus. As an NKCF ambassador, Pham has not only supported the program personally, but he has been invaluable advocate and representative to further the mission of our program.  

 “As part of Giving Day 2023, I encourage you to take a moment to learn about keratoconus, an eye condition that thins out your cornea, causing blurred vision and sensitivity to light. There is no cure, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Please join me to help continue to fund education and research to find a cure and assist those in need.”

If NKCF receives 28 gifts today, we can unlock a $3,000 gift from our friend and outfielder, Tommy Pham, who will don the number 28 as he takes the field this season as part of the New York Mets.  

Your donation to NKCF of any size can make the Tommy Pham-28 Challenge a success!