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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Discovering Confidence Through Vulnerability
Beacon StoriesFashion and Lifestyle Blogger Lindi Goff is sharing her authentic self by being vulnerable about her journey with Stargardt disease.
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Eye on the Prize Winner: Josh/Nicholls State University
Beacon Stories DIY Campaign Success StoriesThis year, the Foundation created a new fundraising initiative called Eye on the Prize, influenced by March Madness. The winner of the inaugural Eye on the Prize competition was Nicholls State University, raising $2,428. This winning team was led by Josh Cogswell, an assistant professor of management at Nicholls State University, who has his own personal connection to the Foundation’s mission.
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Biologist and Father Dedicated to Daughter’s Cure
Beacon StoriesAfter Allison’s diagnosis with Usher syndrome type 3, her dad, Jeff Libby, wanted to do everything he could to find her a cure. As a biologist, Jeff started searching for organizations researching blinding diseases like Allison’s, and he found the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
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Passionate Professional Outreach Volunteer Helping Newly Diagnosed
Beacon StoriesJim has always been avid about giving back to others, even after he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. And in the last few years, he’s begun working with the Foundation to help eye care professionals in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area provide vital resources for their patients with retinal diseases.
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Beacon Stories
Mark Erelli has been a professional musician for the past twenty-three years. He’s always used songwriting to express himself. Since being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, he’s needed music more than ever.
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Cleanlogic Co-Founder’s Inspiration Comes From His Mom
Beacon StoriesIn honor of Mother’s Day, we’re sharing a special Beacon Story featuring Isaac Shapiro, co-founder of Cleanlogic. Isaac’s mother, Bea, lost her vision at only seven years old but went on to become an entrepreneur and help others in the blind and visually impaired community through adaptive technology.
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“Great Vision Does Not Require Great Sight”
Beacon StoriesKenyetta has worked to help others through the nonprofit sector for over 25 years, despite being diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of 31. Kenyetta is now the chief operating officer of REACH Riverside Development Corporation and has been recognized for her career achievements by many.
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“The Only Disability is a Bad Attitude”
Beacon StoriesBorn 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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Beacon Stories
In her own words, Bari shares her perspective with having a father and brother affected with retinitis pigmentosa and how she’s now helping to make a difference to end blinding diseases.
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Advocating for the Foundation Through Professional Outreach
Beacon StoriesAs 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.
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