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
-
Managing Your Mindset, Embracing Your Voice
Charity’s recent rapid decline in vision due to RP and her daughter’s diagnosis with RP has caused her to open up about her vision loss journey. After getting involved with the Foundation, Charity now feels like she has a voice to help others in the visually impaired community.
-
Erin’s Unwavering Determination, Then and Now
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a very young age, growing up, Erin never let her progressive vision loss stop her from keeping up with her friends and siblings. Throughout the 1990s, Erin was featured in several Foundation Fighting Blindness campaigns to raise funds for retinal research. Today, 34-year-old Erin is resilient as ever, still hopeful research will one day find her a cure.
-
Jenny was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), just like her mom, at the age of 34. In her own words, Jenny shares her experience with being diagnosed with RP and her journey to accepting it with hopefulness.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
.jpg)
