John Hill

Marjorie and John Hill await John's cataract surgery - a chance for enhanced quality of life

Marjorie Hill bought a book for her husband, John, for Christmas 2005.

A seemingly unremarkable gesture - unless you know John. For John Hill, 84, who is severely debilitated from a form of multiple sclerosis (MS) and until Dec. 27, 2005, considered legally blind, the book represents a breakthrough for his quality of life.

John says his form of MS was the result of a contaminated tetanus shot he was administered in the Army during World War II, "in the days when the shot was made from horse serum," he explains. Because his spinal cord nerves were affected, paralysis began to set in - first in his left arm, and then extending to his hands, legs and feet. Eventually, he lost use of all his extremities. By age 57, after 30 years with his company, John had no recourse but to retire from his job as an engineer with McDonald Douglas.

An especially defining moment for John came in 1979, when, because of his disability, he told his daughter that he feared he wouldn't be able to walk her down the aisle for her upcoming wedding. Her response was that they would "hold each other up," which they did.

Because of John's plucky spirit, Marjorie's devotion and the perseverance of his Mayo Clinic surgeon, Dr. Dharmendra "Dave" Patel, the "legally blind" label was lifted two days after Christmas. So was the murky vision that prevented John from skillfully maneuvering his wheel chair - and from reading. John says he turned himself over to his faith and to the skills of his surgeon as he agreed to undergo cataract surgery at Mayo.

Surgery was a success. Within seconds after the procedure, even with improvement in only one eye, John was able to make out colors and count how many fingers Dr. Patel was holding up. Less than an hour later, he was nimbly guiding his motorized wheel chair up the ramp into his van and was headed home to Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Fast forward to April 4, 2006. John returned to Mayo for surgery on the other eye. With the improved sight in the first eye - and the prospect of a second cataract surgery for the other - hope of renewed vision was on the horizon for his life otherwise defined by a daily painful process of getting out of bed and being dressed and fed.

Sitting dutifully in the surgery waiting room with Marjorie was devoted family friend and neighbor, Ken Hall. Ken insists it is a privilege to come to John's home every morning to help support Marjorie and to engineer the exacting and laborious process of getting John up, dressed and ready to face the day. Says John, "Ken is as good a friend as I've ever had."

To the relief of Marjorie and Ken, the second surgery was successful enough that John was sent home without needing glasses for distance, advised only to get a pair of simple reading glasses. Reading is now a potential reality for him - as is watching TV, which Marjorie says he enjoys.

Dr. Patel notes that John had dense cataracts and that it took some careful maneuvering to get him into a position on the operating table where the surgery could be completed with the least amount of risk, given John's debilitated condition. "But we did it because I think it's important, even for someone of his age, to be given some quality of life," he says. Dr. Patel admitted that there are some medical centers who wouldn't take a chance on someone like John, at age 84, and with his level of disability.

Cataract surgery, explained Dr. Patel, "can drastically impact a patient, and not only helps him, but his family as well. I believe that someone as sharp and positive as John deserves that chance."

About that book that Marjorie bought for John - it's not just any book. The subject is classic cars, reminiscent of the 1936 Pontiac convertible that John owned when they were married. The car was maroon in color and they affectionately dubbed it the "Red Devil." Now, after 58 years of marriage, two daughters and six grandchildren, they still reflect on those great times - and the Red Devil.

While quality of life most certainly has been an issue for John, he still maintains that he harbors no bitterness and is just grateful for what he has - a loving family, good friends and a medical center that didn't reject him.

And through all of his medical challenges, John says he doesn't get depressed. "I don't sense depression," he confirms. "I put my trust in the Lord and I have a wonderful family. And now, I'm also going to see better. That's something to feel great about."