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
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Blind YouTuber Finding His Spot in Life
YouTuber Sam Seavey was diagnosed with Stargardt disease when he was just 11 years old. Sam didn’t fully accept his visual impairments until his early 30s. Now he’s helping others through “The Blind Life,” which is currently the most extensive resource for assistive technology on the internet.
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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.
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The Beauty in Embracing Yourself
Award-nominated recording artist Lachi has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry with millions of streams on her music. But with all her many amazing musical accomplishments, it wasn’t until a few years ago that she fully embraced herself as a legally blind artist who identifies with the disability community as closely as she does with music.
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“The Only Disability is a Bad Attitude”
Born with LCA, Anthony began wrestling in the seventh grade, continued through high school, and eventually became the subject of a documentary about his life as a blind wrestler. He then received a life-changing call from the United States Olympics Committee, asking him to compete on the Paralympic Judo Team.
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Tracy was the fourth generation of his family to receive the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, but he never let that stop him from dreaming big. Tracy has worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center for over 36 years, making significant contributions over the many years.
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Jumping into an Uncharted Arena
Thirty-one-year-old Wren Blae Zimmerman always loved horses. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that Wren finally learned to ride. Now her life revolves around this equestrian dream, and she’s given herself the title of the “Blind Show Jumper.”
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Lulie Gund: Beloved Philanthropist, Role Model and Confidant
Llura Gund, often referred to as Lulie, was known for her infectious kind smile and love of life.
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Allen has always wanted to be known as an artist, first and foremost. His photography hints at the ever-changing nature of people’s lives and their environment, much like his own progression with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
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Coping with COVID-19: Welcome to the “New Normal”
We checked in with a few of the Foundation’s volunteers to get their perspective on these unprecedented times.
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Carolyn is a business professional and beauty industry leader in Raleigh, North Carolina. In spite of her diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa, Carolyn pursues exactly what she wants and knows what she is purposed to do in her life.
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