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 Guy Biking: Enduring the Trails for Stargardt
Beacon Stories DIY Campaign Success StoriesChris Smith, a mountain bike enthusiast who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, transformed his bike into a lifeline after losing his driver’s license. Now, 15 years later, he’s tackling the grueling 2,745-mile Tour Divide race while raising funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
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Capturing Life Through A Deaf-Blind Lens
Beacon StoriesBrian Bossert has turned his passion for photography into a successful career. As a commercial photographer and videographer living with Usher syndrome, Brian has a unique perspective and is using his creativity to inspire others as he shares his vision through photos and videos.
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Beacon Stories
In her almost eighth decade of life, Toni Mehler has learned to adapt to the unknown, and she draws from those experiences to embrace her diagnosis of AMD.
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Beacon Stories
Isaiah Bingham is the first legally blind football player in Delaware. At just 14 years old, he’s excelling as a team captain and award-winning athlete and is inspiring others as he advocates for those with disabilities.
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Beacon Stories
In honor of the upcoming Mother’s Day, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jennifer Probst is sharing her personal story of her son’s diagnosis with Stargardt disease.
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Beacon Stories
We’re honoring National DNA Day with the Danny family! When Sarah and A. J. found out their oldest daughter Lucia had Stargardt disease, it was a challenge to process her diagnosis. And then they realized their other five children could also be affected. Through genetic testing, they learned their five-year-old daughter Sarafina also has Stargardt disease. Now, Lucia and Sarafina have a bond like no other, and call each other the “Stargardt Sisters.”
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What Does “Blindness” Really Mean?
Beacon StoriesJenny Schisler has retinitis pigmentosa. Jenny wants to spread awareness of what having a visual impairment really means to her and others affected by retinal degenerative diseases.
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Beacon Stories DIY Campaign Success Stories
Adopted into a musical family, Miles Hoyt picked up a guitar at just four years old, and he hasn’t stopped playing since. Now Miles, who has Stargardt disease, and his parents are using music to bring their community together to raise funds for blinding diseases with their Raising Our Sights fundraiser, Smiles for Miles.
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Influencing Positivity for the Disabled Community
Beacon StoriesContent creator and social media influencer Stephanie Renberg uses her platforms to raise awareness for blindness and disabilities in hopes that her openness about her Stargardt disease will contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world.
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“The Future Holds Promise” on International Day of Women and Girls 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 sharing the story of Dr. Esther Biswas-Fiss.
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