Would it surprise you to learn that our biggest team fundraiser from the 2025 Eye Patch Challenge never benefited from an Eye on Grace travel grant?

Meet the amazing Karen Denny.

Q: Karen, how did you get involved with Eye on Grace?
A: My husband passed away from metastatic disease a year and a half after his diagnosis of ocular melanoma. The next month, I saw a post on Facebook about the Eye Patch Challenge and, after reading about Eye on Grace, I knew I had to help.

We were fortunate to live just two hours from Philadelphia, but we still spent a lot on hotels, Ubers, food, missed work, and gas for his treatments. We were at a point in our lives where we could afford it, but I thought about all the people who couldn’t and knew I wanted to help. My husband was a generous man, so I wanted to honor him and help others.

Q: How did you approach people about participating and donating to the Eye Patch Challenge?
A: I started by talking with people face-to-face and through Facebook and other social media. I shared my fundraising team link as often as I could and told people about the very rare cancer my husband had just died from.

I carried eye patches with me everywhere. I’d ask people to wear a patch, strongly encourage them to get a dilated eye exam, and tell them about Eye on Grace: a foundation that helps people get to their treatments. If they wanted to donate, I’d share the link. I talked to everyone who would listen.

One of my favorite photos was taken in my lawyer’s office while settling my husband’s estate … he ended up making a sizeable donation. I approached my coworkers and even shared at my niece’s bridal shower about Uncle Matt. I told everyone about ocular melanoma, encouraged dilated eye exams, handed out patches, and took pictures.

Q: How has being part of the Eye Patch Challenge impacted your life?
A: The best part, besides raising money for a good cause, is hearing people say, “I went and had my dilated eye exam.” The Eye Patch Challenge not only raises money but also encourages people to get their eyes checked and, hopefully, catch things early so more treatment options are available.