Mark Salzman has faced a long and challenging journey since his diagnosis of ocular melanoma in April 2022.

After undergoing brachytherapy at Duke Eye Center, Mark learned in February 2024 that the cancer had metastasized to his liver. He began Kimmtrak infusions and took intermittent short-term disability from work, placing significant financial strain on his family. When follow-up scans in August 2024 showed tumor growth, his oncologist recommended IPI/NIVO. Unfortunately, a single dose caused severe adverse reactions, including colitis that took months to heal.

Mark was then referred to Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia for liver-directed immunotherapy. It was at this point that Eye on Grace stepped in to help cover travel expenses for treatment, MRIs, and scans.

“What a wonderful blessing from God it has been to receive help with the financial burden of travel,” Mark says. “With reduced work hours and short-term disability, we were more dependent than ever on God for provision. I truly believe God brought Eye on Grace to us,” Mark says.

In mid-September 2024, Mark’s oncology team discovered multiple lesions outside his liver. When an opening became available in the IDE196/Crizotinib clinical trial, he enrolled in late October.

Since November 2024, Mark has traveled from Charlotte, NC, to Philadelphia at least once a month, and often twice a month, for treatment.

“Without the help of the Eye on Grace Foundation, we would be hard-pressed to travel this much for care,” Mark says. “Clinical trials only cover a portion of the expenses, the rest falls on the patient. I truly believe that without Eye on Grace, we would not have been able to continue fighting this disease without facing overwhelming financial hardship.

“Please consider donating to the Eye on Grace Foundation—whether through a one-time gift or a monthly donation—to help families like mine access the best possible care, no matter how far from home it may be.”