Inspirational Voices from the Fighting Blindness Community
Being diagnosed with anything can be hard, and you certainly will go through a range of emotions. You are not alone. Many have been in your shoes and have dealt with their diagnosis in different ways. Some feel a sense of relief when they can share their stories with others who are going through a similar situation.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a beacon for those affected by blinding retinal diseases. With our Beacon Stories, we share individual’s journeys with their disease and how their drive fuels them to pursue their passions. Not only do we find their stories aspirational, we believe these individuals are true beacons of strength, champions of courage, and advocates for hope. We hope these stories provide you with light that will get you through the darkness. Collectively, we are stronger together – as a community.
Do you have a story you'd like to share with the Fighting Blindness community? Let us know at Marketing@FightingBlindness.org.
Beacon Stories
-
Beacon Stories
Danielle has been navigating her retinitis pigmentosa for half of her life, but she’s never let it hold her back. Her journey with RP underscores the importance of perspective, community of her friends and family’s support, and the relentless pursuit of treatments and cures.
-
Building Bonds: Joy and Representation in Legos
Beacon StoriesIn her own words, Chloe shares how her bond with her brother Elliot has grown stronger over the years through their shared love of building Legos. Since Elliot’s diagnosis with Stargardt disease, he has faced significant vision loss, but they discovered accessible online Lego instructions, allowing them to continue their cherished hobby. Chloe hopes for a more accessible and understanding world where Elliot and others with vision loss can thrive.
-
The Power of 3D Printing for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Beacon StoriesEdis, a blind IT consultant and assistive technology teacher in Denmark, has harnessed the power of technology to navigate his life. His journey led him to create Accessible3D, a platform providing 3D printed models to help the blind and visually impaired experience the world in new, tactile ways.
-
Pioneering Delivery Strategies for Blinding Diseases Therapy and Inspiring Women in Science
Beacon StoriesInternational Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated globally to recognize the critical role women play in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To honor this vital day, the Foundation is thrilled to spotlight Dr. Renee Ryals, PhD, a remarkable scientist at the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University.
-
Eva Lou Schroeder Watson's Enduring Legacy
Beacon StoriesEva Watson’s life was marked by her dedication to advancing medical research for blinding diseases, and her generous bequest to the Foundation Fighting Blindness ensures her advocacy will endure. Her story highlights the profound impact of her contributions to driving treatments and cures for blinding diseases.
-
Staying True to Music, Family, and Advocacy
Beacon StoriesMusic duo Andrew & Polly have earned a GRAMMY nomination for their children’s album “Ahhhhh!” while also championing disability awareness and inclusivity. Andrew’s experience with Stargardt disease fuels their advocacy, inspiring others through their music, podcast, and dedication to research and community support.
-
Celebrating Genetic Counselor Awareness Day with Kristy Lee
Beacon StoriesOn Genetic Counselor Awareness Day, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of genetic counselors, whose dedication guides individuals through the complexities of genetic information, offering support, and fostering hope. We’re highlighting Kristy Lee, MS, CGC, whose work brings clarity for countless patients and families navigating genetic diseases.
-
Share Your Vision: Heather Edwards
Beacon StoriesHeather Edwards has turned her personal journey with cone-rod dystrophy into a mission to support others facing similar challenges. Despite facing difficulties during her youth, Heather now uses her experiences to advocate for awareness and support for blinding diseases, emphasizing that blindness is a spectrum and each person’s experience is uniquely valuable.
-
Soaring as a Visionary Leader at Southwest
Beacon StoriesJames Ashworth, Vice President of Customer Care at Southwest Airlines, has dedicated his career to the airline industry and his advocacy for the visually impaired, driven by his personal experience with rod-cone dystrophy. His leadership and commitment to supporting the blind and visually impaired community have led to significant contributions, including employment initiatives and technological advancements to aid those with vision loss.
-
Perseverance of a Six-Time Paralympian
Beacon StoriesAs a six-time goalball Paralympian, Lisa has turned her progressive vision loss into a powerful source of strength and inspiration. Through her incredible journey—overcoming barriers, achieving five Paralympic medals, and becoming a passionate disabilities advocate—Lisa exemplifies how embracing life’s challenges can lead to extraordinary success and personal growth.
.png)
_2023.jpg)
