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.

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Displaying 71–80 of 160

  • Mar 14, 2022

    Advocating for the Foundation Through Professional Outreach

    As a longtime supporter and advocate for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Lora has recently begun working with the Professional Outreach team. Lora’s work helps eye care professionals in the Philadelphia region provide vital resources for their patients with inherited retinal diseases.

    Beacon Stories

  • Feb 28, 2022

    Finding My People

    Foundation Arizona chapter president Fai Mo is sharing, in his own words, his experiences with being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and how he found comfort in the Foundation Fighting Blindness community.

    Beacon Stories

  • Jan 10, 2022

    Ambitious Entrepreneur Won’t Let Stargardt Stop Her

    Beverley is a go-getter who does not let her Stargardt disease get in the way of living her life to the fullest. When Beverley isn’t hard at work as an entrepreneur, she enjoys spending time with friends, her dog, Loki, and is also an active leader of the Foundation’s Boston Chapter.

    Beacon Stories

  • Dec 27, 2021

    In Memoriam: Dr. Alan Laties – Early Leader in Retinal Research

    Alan M. Laties, MD, passed away on Sunday, December 26 at the age of 90.

    Beacon Stories

  • Dec 13, 2021

    Reaching for the Stars

    At only three months old, Brendon was diagnosed with x-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS). But with several other family members also with XLRS, Brendon knew he could still follow his passions for science and space. Now 22, Brendon is an Aerospace Engineer, starting a PhD program at UCF, and was recently awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship.

    Beacon Stories

  • Nov 22, 2021

    Racing for a Reason

    Sean Teare has completed a marathon and a triathlon as DIY fundraisers for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

    Fundraiser Success Stories

  • Nov 15, 2021

    Livie’s “New Eyes”

    At the age of five, Livie was diagnosed with LCA but her doctor immediately told her parents that clinical trials were underway and that Livie could soon be eligible for treatment. Not long after, they got a phone call from Spark Therapeutics and Livie received LUXTURNA®. Now eight, Livie’s confidence is at an all-time high with her “new eyes.”

    Beacon Stories

  • Oct 25, 2021

    Seeing Research Advances Firsthand

    Mark does not let his retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis keep him from doing what he loves most, including spending quality time with his family. And in 2019, Mark began participating in a clinical trial, which he describes as life-changing.

    Beacon Stories

  • Oct 15, 2021

    Learning to Fall After Vision Loss

    When Justin’s vision loss progressed quickly due to retinitis pigmentosa at 25 years old, he thought skateboarding wouldn’t be possible anymore. Ten years later, with the help of his white cane and audio devices, Justin is now working to enhance accessibility in skateboarding for the blind and visually impaired community.

    Beacon Stories

  • Sep 27, 2021

    Geo, a Four-Legged Wonder

    Michael was matched with his first guide dog, Geo, a yellow Labrador retriever, in March 2020, two years after he applied with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Michael and Geo now have a relationship unlike any other.

    Beacon Stories