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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Beacon Stories
Maverick, a determined and adventurous 11-year-old, was diagnosed with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) at age six, which led his family to find support and resources through the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Since his diagnosis, Mav continues to pursue his passions in sports and outdoor activities, inspiring his family with his resilience and positive attitude.
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Beacon Stories
Lindsey Rambo once believed treatment was meant for someone else. Today, she’s the first participant in a groundbreaking gene therapy trial for LCA5—and her journey is lighting the way for what’s possible in the future of vision research.
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Perseverance of a Six-Time Paralympian
Beacon StoriesAs a six-time goalball Paralympian, Lisa has turned her progressive vision loss into a powerful source of strength and inspiration. Through her incredible journey—overcoming barriers, achieving five Paralympic medals, and becoming a passionate disabilities advocate—Lisa exemplifies how embracing life’s challenges can lead to extraordinary success and personal growth.
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Shifting Perspectives—One Video at a Time
Beacon StoriesNatasha Caudill is a content creator and disability advocate who uses her platform of over 1.3 million TikTok followers to shift perceptions about blindness and achromatopsia. Through candid and educational videos, she invites others to experience the world through her eyes, literally in black and white. Her content reminds us that disability isn’t a limitation but simply a different and equally valuable way of experiencing the world.
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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.
