In September 2023, James Fox started noticing flashes in his eye and was initially told he likely had a detached retina. The next day, he met with eye specialists in Pittsburgh, and that’s when he first heard the words ocular melanoma.

In October 2023, he underwent brachytherapy and was grateful to be NED (no evidence of disease) for a while. But in July 2025, scans revealed metastasis to his liver. Because the lesions were very small, he began treatment with IPI/Nivo in Pittsburgh. After three treatments and a hospital stay due to severe side effects, follow-up scans showed the cancer had progressed. The lesions had doubled in size, and many more had appeared.

That’s when James and his wife decided to seek treatment in Philadelphia. He is now receiving chemoembolization treatments.

“Every three weeks, we make the drive to Philadelphia for treatment. Our lives have changed dramatically. I had to leave my job as a mailman because after treatments, I can’t lift heavy things, and the weakness makes it impossible to walk the miles I used to walk on my route. I had to apply for disability. My wife must take time off from her job to travel with me, and family members help take care of things at home while we’re away,” James says.

“This is where Eye on Grace has been such an incredible blessing. The financial strain has been very real. But thanks to Eye on Grace, we don’t have the added worry about the cost of traveling to access the best available treatment. Honestly, we may not have transferred to Philadelphia if Eye on Grace hadn’t helped.

“Eye on Grace has truly been a gift from God to our family. We are so grateful to all the wonderful donors. Your generosity may quite literally be saving lives by helping patients travel to the care they need. My wife and I wish we could give each of you a big hug to thank you. This cancer is a tough fight, and your kindness gives us one less thing to worry about as we continue this battle.”

From the bottom of all our hearts at Eye on Grace, thank you for helping patients like James keep fighting.