Philadelphia Chapter

Chapter Contact

Shannon Kappre

skappre@fightingblindness.org

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.

Knowledge is power and knowing that there are resources out there to help you and others going through similar situations is what helps us keep going forward.

Kathy Fenstermacher

Philadelphia Chapter Leadership

Name Role
Shannon Kappre Community Manager
Alex Cohen  Chapter President
Kathy Fenstermacher/Tommy Costello Co-Resource Chairs
Amy Reif/Katie Viscount Co-Education Chairs
Terri Gazzara Revenue Chair
Lenora Osborne Diversity & Inclusion Chair

Chapter Events

Philadelphia VisionWalk

  • Oct 4, 2025
  • 9:00 a.m. (EDT)
  • 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

VisionWalk is a fun, family-friendly 5K walk that supports the Foundation Fighting Blindness and our mission to find treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Join us for a day of community, celebration, and hope as we take steps toward a brighter future for those living with vision loss.

VisionWalk

Philadelphia Virtual Speaker Series - January 26, 2022

This virtual meeting features a presentation by Lauren J. Lieberman Ph.D., Director of Camp Abilities, and highlights many of the resources that are available for children in the community.

Additional Resources

  • Find a Doctor Who Sees Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases
  • Learn more about our Vision Warrior program and oo-it-yourself events