Social media is no doubt a powerful tool, but even more so when it changes an unsuspecting little girl’s life.

Tara Taylor posted a photo of her 3-year-old daughter on Facebook and immediately after, Facebook user Stacy Carter sent a message pointing out the glow in Rylee’s left eye.

But why was Carter prompted to immediately send a concerned message?

The photo hinted at the fact that Rylee could be affected by Coats disease—a rare eye condition, especially in girls, that causes abnormal development of blood vessels and can lead to childhood blindness. In the case of the Taylor family, Rylee was in fact suffering from advanced Coats disease, but thanks to Carter’s message and two surgeries later Rylee’s vision has been improved.

We were intrigued to see how fast this story, which arose on social media, spread on a national level—from Facebook to bigger news outlets like the below:

• New York Post: Little girl’s vision saved by eagle-eyed Facebook users
• Today Health: Facebook post saves girl’s vision as ‘glow in the eye’ raises alarm
• ABC Good Morning America: Facebook User Helps Spot Girl’s Dangerous Eye Disease

And it didn’t just stop at articles. The story was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, Saturday, April 5, and highlighted the Jack McGovern Coats Disease Foundation, which works to raise funds in support of ongoing research designed to support those in the fight against Coats disease.

We were proud to see JMCDF, a Mopdog client, be used a resource for families like Rylee’s.

This story  just goes to show that you never really know how your next social media post can impact your life.