Chapter President's Message

Welcome to the Philly Chapter!

Philadelphia is a global hub of research and medical care for those with inherited retinal diseases, and the Foundation Fighting Blindness is proud to have a strong presence in the City of Brotherly Love. Every October over 800 walkers join in our annual VisionWalk to raise money to fund the research to find a cure for Inherited Retinal Diseases. The Philadelphia chapter alone consistently raises over $150,000 annually to support retinal research. We also host a Research Panel in the Spring where doctors and researchers on the front lines provide updates and answer questions from attendees. During the year, we have small gatherings and fundraisers hosted by members throughout the greater Philadelphia area.

As Chapter President and someone with Usher Syndrome/Retinitis Pigmentosa, my personal goal is to connect those affected with the support and resources needed. I'm always happy to help however I can. Although there a many retinal diseases that manifest themselves in unique ways, we all face similar challenges and share a common bond. 

For more information about the Philadelphia Chapter and/or local resources, please email me at mikefightingblindness@gmail.com. If preferred, please feel free to call me at (570) 856-3682.

Sincerely,
Mike Valenti
Philadelphia Chapter President