ican Stories - The Brittany Amber Crouch Story

My name is Brittany Amber Crouch, and I am currently living in Port St. John, FL. I was born with primary Anophthalmia, meaning that i have only one eye. At 17 years old, I have many hobbies. I love all sports, mostly football. I play it all the time, along with Rugby (a new favorite). I like to be outdoors, always going places. I'm the bubbly, social butterfly among my friends. I was titled the Iron Viper at school for being the strongest girl from grades 9-12. I am also doing well in school. I'm a junior at Space Coast High School. And for the past two years, I've been in a dual enrollment program at Brevard Community College. The goal is to earn my AA degree on the day that I get my highschool diploma. I want to work with sports medicine when i get older, possibly a physical therapist in the NFL.

I first discovered the ican website when writing a paper in psychology last year. I could write about any topic in the relm of psychology, so I asked my mom about my condition. We searched online, where i first learned of the medical term for it, and of it's scarcity around the world. I wrote about bullies, and other setbacks. Kids were always making fun of me in elementary school, and they still do. "The One-Eyed Pirate" was a popular comment. Stares and questions have always existed. I have learned to handle it better as time goes on. I have never seen anyone like me, so it was hard to understand if for myself. I keep my bangs over my prosthesis; just to avoid all of that. Confidence has been a problem but I've learned to be proud of my physical appearance.

Trips to my occularist, Dr. Tanaka, have always been fun; especially considering that I've known him my whole life. He made my first prosthesis when I was only 14 days old. We had to drive a few hours for check-ups, but I always saw it as a fun road trip for me, my mother, and my brother. My normal eye is blue, and so I've often wondered if I should have my next prosthesis be green, just for fun.

When i was in the fifth grade, I had my first surgery to improve the appearance of my eye. My eye lid used to make my eye seem completely shut. But now, it is much more open. I wonder if I should continue these surgeries. I have been told of a series of operations that I would probably have to take, including a few on my skull. I'm scared, however. That last surgery was painful. Not only that, i wonder if i should change myself. Being different is cool to me, despite the way people react. Even grown adults have handled this rudely.

I thank God for my positive attitude. When i was younger, I would cry many nights as a result. But today, i'm learning that people are curious. They may not approach me properly, but how can they understand? I am known among everyone as the bright and goofy one. They come to me for a laugh, as I've brought many smiles.