Eastern Michigan

Contact Info

Andrea Harper, Chapter Engagement Manager - Midwest

chapters@fightingblindness.com

FoundationFightingBlindnessMichigan

The Strength of the Foundation is Through Our Communities

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter network brings people together across the country to join in fighting blinding retinal diseases. Our family of volunteers and leaders stand up for those impacted by blinding diseases. From day one, they share the latest research and advancements, and provide access to local resources to guide individuals through their personal journey. And together, they celebrate the Foundation’s mission.

We are winning thanks to the dedication of our Chapters focusing on three key areas: education, resources, and revenue. Through informative sessions, Foundation staff, community, and national experts provide research information, low vision resources, and outreach to our local retinal specialists and eye care professionals. To continue accelerating our mission, each community is invited to be a stakeholder by participating in our fundraising events.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter Vision

Our vision is to bring a community together to end blinding diseases.

Eastern Michigan Chapter Leadership

Name Role
Andrea Harper Chapter Engagement Manager
Ashley Weslock Chapter President
Deandrea Valverde Vice President
Luke Yaldo Education Chair
Sue Chappel Revenue Chair
Jane Brewer Diversity & Inclusion Chair

Foundation Chapter Contact

Andrea Harper

Chapter Engagement Manager - Midwest

Chapter Events

  • Apr 1, 2023

    Eastern Michigan Chapter Speaker Series

    The Eastern Michigan Chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is thrilled to partner with Leader Dogs for the Blind for our spring speaker series event. Learn about the process of considering using a dog as a guide, the application and training process, and what happens upon acceptance into the program. In addition to this presentation there will be a tour of the Leader Dogs campus.

    Event

  • May 13, 2023 (EDT)

    16th Annual Michigan VisionWalk

    Since its inception in the Spring of 2006, VisionWalk has raised over $63 million to fund sight-saving research. Join your VisionWalk community! Together, we step closer to fighting blinding diseases.

    Event

Eastern Michigan Chapter Speaker Series – November 12, 2021

Featured presentations:

  • IRD’s and Stem Cells
    Speaker: Abigail Teich Fahim, MD, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan
  • Services available to those with visual impairments at Ann Arbor District Library
    Speaker: Katie Monkiewicz, Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled

  • Low vision services at Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
    Speaker: William Purves, Director of Planning & Program Development, Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living

Additional Resources

  • Find a Doctor Who Sees Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases
  • Learn more about Raising our Sights Do-It-Yourself Events