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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Turning RP into a Canvas of Hope
Beacon StoriesDiagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at 12, Raquel spent years navigating vision loss without support. But everything changed when she connected with the Foundation Fighting Blindness — and found not just answers, but community. Now an artist, advocate, and leader in San Diego, Raquel uses her story and her art as the founder of Unblurred Collection to raise awareness, give back, and inspire others living with blinding diseases.
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Legacy Donor Spotlight: Dr. Debora Elliott Ward
Beacon StoriesDr. Debora Elliott Ward, a clinical psychologist living with retinitis pigmentosa, shares her journey of resilience, professional success, and commitment to supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness by naming it a beneficiary in her estate plans.
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A Mother’s Vision of a More Inclusive World
Beacon Stories WellnessThis Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating Krystle — a beacon of creativity, courage, and community. Legally blind mom Krystle Boateng couldn’t find children’s books she could comfortably read to her sons, so she created her own. Through her publishing company, Inside Ability Book, she’s redefining accessibility in children’s books and empowering individuals and families navigating vision loss and other disabilities.
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Beacon Stories Wellness
Rob Howden’s journey with AMD and GA truly shows that individuals can take control of their vision loss journey and find strength within their community. His story emphasizes the importance of proactive treatment, taking care of your mental health, and the invaluable support of friends and neighbors.
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Celebrating National DNA Day with Dr. Benjamin Bakall
Beacon StoriesApril 25 is National DNA Day, commemorating the completion of the Human Genome Project and the discovery of DNA’s double helix. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting Dr. Benjamin Bakall, a retinal specialist and ophthalmologist at Associated Retina Consultants in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Bakall’s dedication to genetics and patient care highlights the importance of genetic testing in advancing treatments and cures for inherited retinal diseases.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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