Students at Centauri Middle School in La Jara, Colorado, are hoping to make a difference in the life of a fellow student.
Adelmo Cordova was born with poor vision, and several other health complications. His vision has gotten worse as he's gotten older. He also lost his mother six years ago, and now lives with his grandmother and his uncle.
Adelmo's health problems and difficult situations haven't stopped him from playing a special role at school. In fact, he was voted Prom King by his fellow classmates last year.
He's been struggling more and more with his vision. A family friend was recently online and stumbled across information about eSight, a new type of glasses that help those with extremely poor vision be able to see again. They're specialized and high-tech, but they come with a price tag: $15,000.
"Yes, they're expensive, but really, it's a drop in the bucket when you can't see and it gives you the ability to do many things that you couldn't do before," Lisa Karlskin said.
Karlskin has known Cordova since he was about two years old. She's been fond of him ever since.
"He's so funny, he makes you laugh, he's just very enjoyable to be around. He's very pleasant and he'll help anybody he can," Karlskin said.
After she found the specialized glasses, she reached out to Centauri Middle School to see if they'd be able to help her fundraise.
"The school just pitched in. They decided, wow, he needs these glasses so badly," Karlskin said.
Students began raising money, and going door-to-door in their neighborhoods, sharing Adelmo's story. So far, they've raised about $2,500. It's all now an effort called "Eyes for Adelmo."
Cordova was able to take a trip to Denver to try out a pair of the specialized glasses. For the first time in his life, he could see clearly.
"It was so special, he was so excited," Karlskin said. "They played a clip of a Broncos game and he just loved it."
Both the middle school's principal, Tyler Huffaker, and North Conejos Superintendent Curt Wilson, have praised the students for giving back to a fellow classmate in need.
An account has been set up to raise more money for the special glasses at San Luis Valley Federal Savings. A GoFundMe Account has also been set up.
"It just touches my heart because I know I would want to have vision if I didn't have it," Karlskin said.
