Michelle Saaiman’s 16-month-old son, Juwan, faced a terrifying ordeal when his eye became infected. Initially mistaken for a simple eye infection, his condition worsened despite treatment. A specialist later diagnosed him with herpes simplex virus (HSV), likely contracted from a kiss by someone with an active cold sore. The infection caused irreversible damage to his cornea, leaving him blind in one eye.

As the virus progressed, Juwan’s eye “melted away,” losing lubrication and developing a 4mm hole. Fearing total eye loss, his parents flew him to Cape Town for emergency treatment. He underwent amnion graft surgery, and doctors stitched his eyelids together to aid healing. Plans are underway for further surgery, including a nerve transfer and cornea transplant.

The situation left Michelle and her husband heartbroken and angry, but they acknowledge that the infection was likely unintentional. They faced weeks of uncertainty, medical procedures, and the fear that the virus could spread to Juwan’s brain. While the virus has been contained, his vision remains permanently damaged.

Michelle is now raising awareness about the dangers of herpes transmission to young children. She shared her story on Facebook, which went viral, and launched a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses. She urges people to be cautious, emphasizing that something as simple as a kiss can have devastating consequences.