The Trevor Popeck Foundation

The Trevor Popeck Foundation Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization which was started to help offset medical expenses for children and adults who suffer from various eye related ailments.  It was recently formed in January of 2023 by Trevor Popeck, who is currently a freshman at Case Western Reserve University.

Trevor’s Story

When Trevor was 3 years old, he went to preschool and the school conducted a standard vision screening. It was determined in testing that his left eye seemed to have some abnormality.  The school suggested to his parents, Steve and Laurie Popeck of Chartiers Township, that they follow up with a pediatric ophthalmologist.  After scanning the family’s insurance for a nearby doctor who was covered under their plan, Laurie scheduled an appointment with Pediatric Ophthalmology. It was a day that will live in her memory forever.

After meeting with Dr. Paviglianiti, MD, they learned of the issue with Trevor’s left eye.  “I can still remember the conversation like it was yesterday,” said Laurie. “Dr. Pav (that is what everyone calls Dr. Paviglianiti) conducted the eye exam and turned to me and said, Well, Trevor has a juvenile cataract.”  His vision was 20/5000; 20/20 is normal. Having only heard of cataracts in the elderly Laurie asked, “how is this possible?”  Dr. Pav could see that she was very upset and calmly assured her that it was something that happens to 25% of the population and that it could be fixed by surgical intervention. While it wasn’t uncommon, it was treatable.  Steve and Laurie were relieved, but now concerned about their three-year-old having surgery.

A few months later, surgery was scheduled at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Trevor’s parents went with him while his younger sister, Brooke, stayed with her grandparents.  Dr. Pav conducted a successful 8-hour long surgery to remove the cataract.  This felt like an eternity to Steve and Laurie who sat anxiously in the waiting room.  The surgery was successful.

Trevor’s recovery included patching his “good” eye, to help get the connections strong in the left eye.  This was a struggle at times as Trevor being a toddler didn’t fully accept wearing a patch.  He eventually got glasses to help him with reading.  The prescription was strong in the left eye, but completely clear in the right eye. 

The days passed quickly and it was time for Trevor to go to kindergarten. Dr. Pav suggested the family look into an Individual Education Program (IEP) as many children with juvenile cataracts require IEPS,  in order to receive large font accommodations, however Trevor did not need one.  His eyesight had improved to 20/4000 by this point; better but still a challenge.  Despite the “bad eye”, and with hopes of further improvement as the years progressed, Trevor received no special treatment and immediately found success in the classroom and in sports as well. He played baseball and basketball (while wearing prescription sport goggles). Eventually he began participating in football and wore a prescription face shield to protect his eyes.

Fifteen Years Later…

Fast forward to today-Trevor’s wears glasses and eyesight is now 20/150; not perfect, but it does not hold him back. Trevor is excelling in many different aspects in his young life. He carries a 4.3 GPA and is a member of The National Honor Society. On the football field he is a starting lineman on both the Offensive Line and Defensive Line and is the long snapper at Chartiers Houston and was recently selected as an all-conference player.  

Trevor set his goal of creating a nonprofit to fundraise and help offset medical expenses for other children and their families in the Pittsburgh Area.  While his family’s insurance covered his procedures, he is aware that other children may not be so fortunate. He believes his non-profit can help. Trevor has the opportunity to be an inspiration to others.  He wants to help other families feel like they are not alone, and that financial help is available. “I want other kids to know that if this happens to them that they can overcome it. Their future can still be bright and this will just be part of the story they tell someday. It may not be easy, but the key is to listen to your parents and your doctor.” 

 Trevor Popeck is truly an inspiration and his endeavor to create this nonprofit organization, is a testament to his outstanding character.

To mail a donation, please send your payment to:

The Trevor Popeck Foundation, Inc. 

PO Box 127

Meadow Lands, PA 15342

Tax ID: 92-0908139

For online donations, please click here. Thank you for your support!