Stories

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.

Filter Results

Filter by Type
Filter by Topic

Displaying 91–100 of 160

  • Apr 26, 2021

    Ambitious Swimmer Spreading Optimism

    26-year-old Becca is a two-time Paralympic swimmer for Team USA, diagnosed with Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1) at only four years old. But she has never let her diagnosis with Usher syndrome stop her from doing exactly what she puts her mind to.

    Beacon Stories

  • Apr 14, 2021

    Audio Interview of Foundation Fighting Blindness Board Director Karen Petrou on Her New Book and Living with RP

    American Banker dubbed her as “the sharpest mind analyzing banking policy today – maybe ever.”

    Beacon Stories

  • Mar 22, 2021

    A Family Full of Hope

    18-year-old Marty Dubecky has a very unique decision to make. There are currently four gene therapy clinical trials for him to choose from to enroll in, which would have been unheard of 15 years ago when he was first diagnosed with XLRP.

    Beacon Stories

  • Mar 8, 2021

    George Dolan: Cherished Friend and Community Advocate

    George was well-known in his community for his integrity and dedication to helping everyone around him.

    Beacon Stories

  • Feb 22, 2021

    Managing Your Mindset, Embracing Your Voice

    Charity’s recent rapid decline in vision due to RP and her daughter’s diagnosis with RP has caused her to open up about her vision loss journey. After getting involved with the Foundation, Charity now feels like she has a voice to help others in the visually impaired community.

    Beacon Stories

  • Feb 8, 2021

    Erin’s Unwavering Determination, Then and Now

    Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a very young age, growing up, Erin never let her progressive vision loss stop her from keeping up with her friends and siblings. Throughout the 1990s, Erin was featured in several Foundation Fighting Blindness campaigns to raise funds for retinal research. Today, 34-year-old Erin is resilient as ever, still hopeful research will one day find her a cure.

    Beacon Stories

  • Jan 25, 2021

    Looking Past RP with Hope

    Jenny was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), just like her mom, at the age of 34. In her own words, Jenny shares her experience with being diagnosed with RP and her journey to accepting it with hopefulness.

    Beacon Stories

  • Dec 21, 2020

    Hannah’s Bright Future Ahead

    At seven years old, Hannah had never seen a lightning bug in the summer or a star in the sky. But after her treatment with LUXTURNA, Hannah can now play outside at night with her brothers and has a new bright future in store.

    Beacon Stories

  • Nov 23, 2020

    Don’t Let Others Tell You What You Can’t Do

    Naheda, a brilliant scientist, has never let her visual impairment stop her from accomplishing her goals and encourages other students with disabilities not to be intimidated by difficult situations. Her story underscores how important it is to ask for help when needed to achieve success.

    Beacon Stories

  • Nov 9, 2020

    Positivity Always Shines Through

    Linda has been blind since birth, but she never lets her visual impairments stop her from doing what she loves and staying positive through it all.

    Beacon Stories