KILLEEN, Texas — A Killeen teen's vision was saved thanks to the community pulling together to pay for her eyesight saving surgery.
Madison Barnett had the operation Wednesday in Austin, and it was successful.
Her rare eye condition affected the way she lived her life, always wondering when she would go blind. Following the hours-long operation, Madison said her life changed forever: She's no longer concerned over not being able to see what comes next in her future.
"I plan on learning how to drive, I plan on being able to see as I walk across the stage at graduation and I'll be able to go take my senior pictures next month," said Barnett.
Madison's twin sister, Patricia, said she's glad their bond won't change.
"It was hard knowing that she may go blind, and I wasn't going to have the same sister that I always had, and now since she can see me it's overwhelming," she said. "I don't have to help her walk, she doesn't have to walk with a stick and she can see me."
Phyllis Bailey, Madison's mother, never stopped fighting. She's now eager to see everything her daughter will accomplish.
"That's the best part. Watching her grow up and not have the difficulties of what she had to deal with," said Bailey.
Madison is overwhelmed at just how quickly the community rallied around her to make this happen.
"It really means a lot to me knowing that a lot of people have donated and helped me through my journey," she said.
While Madison is eager to start her new and exciting chapter, she's taking a pause just for a second, so that she can stop to smell, and see, the flowers.
Madison is sporting protective eye wear and has a little sensitivity to the sun but is doing OK. She has a few days of recovery ahead of her and will spend that time surrounded by her family.
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