Social Media Handles:

Instagram: @Realestatemuscles_
Facebook: Edwin Moran

Where are you from?

NYC

Where do you live now?

The Bronx

Tell us a little about yourself:

Born and raised in NYC as a first-generation Mexican American, my upbringing was challenging. As the eldest of five, now 31 years old, I currently lead a successful real estate team in the Bronx and lower Westchester alongside my younger brothers. From a young age, I envisioned making a positive impact in my community and offering a helping hand. While I initially dreamed of becoming a police officer, my focus shifted to aiding individuals in becoming first-time homeowners. This shift has played a significant role in my life, allowing me to contribute to helping people achieve the American dream.

What’s your eye story?

On September 3, 2021, I was looking forward to my first round of golf with a close friend at Trump Links in the Bronx. Neither of us had much golf experience, but I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. While watching golf highlights on TV, I assumed it would be simple, and I envisioned myself becoming the next Tiger Woods. I quickly realized how mistaken I was.

Maneuvering the ball in the desired direction proved to be quite a challenge. During my friend's turn, I made the mistake of standing directly behind him, not expecting his swing to be directed at my face. The club struck the left side of my face, causing immediate pain and dropping me to my knees. My eye swelled shut, and through the blood, I could barely see. Fear set in, but amidst the uncertainty, my main concern was assuring myself that everything would be fine.

I cautiously confirmed with my finger that my eye was open, but my vision had gone completely black. A trip to the hospital revealed the devastating news: the impact had ruptured my globe. The gravity of the situation hit even harder when I saw my mother's distress upon waking up. At that moment, I understood the need to stay strong for her.

What has been the most challenging mentally?

In the beginning, it was tough to accept that the accident had really happened. It felt like I was living a bad dream. Over time, I realized I wasn’t doing myself any favors by staying in that dark place. I made a conscious choice to step out of it and focus on what I could control. I acknowledged what I could and could not change and began to pursue the dreams and aspirations I still wanted to achieve.

What has been the most challenging physically?

Confronting my physical appearance was difficult, especially when meeting people who were unaware of my accident. As a realtor, constantly meeting new clients made showings especially challenging. I struggled to make eye contact without feeling insecure, which significantly impacted my confidence.

Receiving my prosthetic eye was a turning point, though initially a difficult adjustment. After months of not seeing an ocularist, getting my first prosthetic eye renewed my hope. It took time, but eventually, I became comfortable making eye contact again.

Where are you now in your recovery?

It has now been 2 years and 3 months since the accident. I’m in a much better place mentally and physically. Talking with my brothers was incredibly helpful—they constantly reminded me of the amazing person I am. I’ve come to realize that anyone who judges me for my disability is someone I don’t need in my life anyway.

I believe that God doesn’t place challenges in our path that we cannot handle. I’ve embraced my new life and look forward to the opportunities ahead, especially within this supportive community.

What advice would you give to someone going through their eye impairment journey?

Never lose sight of your journey ahead. Life is precious, and there’s a reason why each of us is here. Stay hopeful, embrace your challenges, and continue moving forward.

Who is your eye surgeon and ocularist?

Eye Surgeon: Dr. Ridley-Lane and Dr. Cohen
Ocularist: Mager & Gougelman

How did you find EYEHESIVE?

Through the hashtag #ONEEYE and TikTok influencers.