Mom, businesswoman makes fighting cancer a personal challenge
Lori Rovito, right, and her daughter, Dena, at Rita's Italian Ice in Frederick. Lori Rovito was recognized by Rita's for her fundraising efforts. Last year, she raised more than $10,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which awards grants to researchers trying to find a cure for childhood cancers. Her daughter Dena, 7, is a cancer survivor. Lori Rovito, right, and her daughter, Dena, at Rita's Italian Ice in Frederick. Lori Rovito was recognized by Rita's for her fundraising efforts. Last year, she raised more than $10,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which awards grants to researchers trying to find a cure for childhood cancers. Her daughter Dena, 7, is a cancer survivor. Lori Rovito hasn't had a haircut in several months and she isn't planning to any time soon. But next June, she might be getting a drastic cut.For several years, the owner of Rita's Italian Ice in Frederick has collected donations to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which awards grants to researchers trying to find a cure for childhood cancers. If Rovito raises $5,000 by mid-June, she is going to shave her head.
"I want to so much." she said. "I actually really do. If I do, it means I will have accomplished something."
More than 550 Rita's stores in 18 states raise money for the foundation. Frederick's location, at 538 W. South St., came in second this year with $10,700 collected. Rovito presented her check to the foundation in late July.
"I always like to go big," Rovito said. "People can do tremendous things when they are motivated."
Battling childhood cancer
Rovito's motivation comes from one of the darkest times in her life.
Her daughter, Dena, was born in March 2004. While in the hospital, the pediatrician noted Dena's right eye was shut; probably due to a blocked tear duct. Rovito massaged the duct and put drops in, but there was no improvement.
Referred to a pediatric eye doctor in Hershey, Pa.
Blocked Tear Duct Surgery - News

Her daughter, Dena, was born in March 2004. While in the hospital, the pediatrician noted Dena's right eye was shut; probably due to a blocked tear duct. Rovito massaged the duct and put drops in, but there was no improvement.
If your eyes go dry suddenly, you may be experiencing a damaged or blocked tear duct caused by an infection, a tumor, scarring or trauma to the eye. Again, see your doctor to evaluate your eyes if this happens. Whether you are nearsighted,

My mum said “I need a shot of vodka, duct tape, I can't see this!” I said I wanted to be hands-on but I didn't know it would be to that extent. Wood: I have never had eye surgery and I've blocked that question out of my mind, maybe in years and years
Blocked Tear Ducts - Risk Factors and Complications
20% Of the new born babies suffer from this ailment at the time of birth, which gradually subsides in a year’s time. In adults, this is caused due to inflammation of eyes, infections, eye injury or tumor. It can be treated successfully depending on the cause and the age of the patient.
What are the Risk Factors Leading to Blocked Tear Ducts? There are certain factors which increases the chance of developing this condition. Those factors are called risk factors and are mentioned below:
Age and sex: Elderly women are more prone to this ailment. This is due to age-related changes. Chronic eye inflammation: Red, irritated and inflammation of eyes (conjunctivitis) causes high risk for developing tear duct blockage. Previous surgery: Surgery of eyes, nasal, eyelids or sinus may cause some scarring to the duct system which later results in a blocked tear duct. Glaucoma: Use of topical eye medicines (used for glaucoma) higher the risk of tear duct blockage. Previous cancer treatment: If you have undergone any cancer treatment like radiation therapy or chemotherapy, especially on your facial region, you are at higher risk. These therapies sometimes cause the blockage of tear gland causing watery and inflamed eyes.What are the Complications related with Blocked Tear Ducts?
If the tears are not able to flow out properly, they get blocked in the tear drainage system of the eyes. This stagnant tears cause the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. This leads to eye infections and inflammations. The conjunctiva membrane of the eye also gets infected by this.
There are many treatments available for curing this ailment. You need to discuss it with your doctor, as it depends on the age and the causes of this condition, which will be determine the best method of treatment for you.
Blocked Tear Duct Surgery - Bookshelf
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Blocked Tear Ducts-Surgery
Most babies born with a blocked tear duct will not need surgery.
Tear-Duct Obstruction and Surgery
Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. The earlier they're discovered, the less likely it is that infection will result or surgery will be necessary.
Blocked Tear Ducts
What is a blocked tear duct? Tears normally drain from the eye ... Surgery for blocked tear ducts may be needed for structural problems of the drainage ...
Blocked Tear Duct - DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy)
It's been a year and a half since my DCR--the surgery for my blocked tear duct. This is what I look like as of February 2011--remember, it was my right eye. ...
Berkeley Parents Network: Blocked Tear Duct
Our angel is 28 months old and has been recommeded to have surgery to unblock his tear duct in one eye. ... My son also had a blocked tear duct which we all suffered for months ...