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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Ambitious Swimmer Spreading Optimism
26-year-old Becca is a two-time Paralympic swimmer for Team USA, diagnosed with Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1) at only four years old. But she has never let her diagnosis with Usher syndrome stop her from doing exactly what she puts her mind to.
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At seven years old, Hannah had never seen a lightning bug in the summer or a star in the sky. But after her treatment with LUXTURNA, Hannah can now play outside at night with her brothers and has a new bright future in store.
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Don’t Let Others Tell You What You Can’t Do
Naheda, a brilliant scientist, has never let her visual impairment stop her from accomplishing her goals and encourages other students with disabilities not to be intimidated by difficult situations. Her story underscores how important it is to ask for help when needed to achieve success.
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Positivity Always Shines Through
Linda has been blind since birth, but she never lets her visual impairments stop her from doing what she loves and staying positive through it all.
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Foundation Arizona chapter president Fai Mo is sharing, in his own words, his experiences with being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and how he found comfort in the Fighting Blindness community.
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Maeva’s Independence With Her White Cane
We’re celebrating White Cane Awareness Day with spirited 5-year-old Maeva, who is an independent explorer thanks to her white cane.
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The Dutterers Aren't Afraid to Share Their Story
Steve and Dot Dutterer have kind and approachable personalities that captivate everyone they meet. With their expansive network, and a lot of hard work and dedication over the past 19 years, Steve and Dot have raised more than $743,000 for the Foundation through the Baltimore VisionWalk.
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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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