Tampa Bay Chapter

Chapter Contact

Cassandra Fridovich

CFridovich@FightingBlindness.org

Being a leader for the Tampa Bay community has given me a sense of purpose for my life. I am a mom with two children affected by retinitis pigmentosa and my whole existence is help push a cure forward for the sake of my children and others affected by a retinal degenerative eye disease. Doing my part to fight back and raise awareness comes purely from the fire in my heart to give my children hope for their future.

April LuFriu, Chapter President

The Chapter Network has Three Areas of Focus

  • EDUCATION. Learn the latest in blinding retinal disease research.

  • RESOURCES. Get connected to local community resources and specialists.

  • REVENUE. Raise funds through VisionWalks, dinners, DIY fundraisers, and more.

Tampa Bay Chapter Leadership

Name Role
April LuFriu Chapter President
Melissa Escobio Vice President 
Tracy Weston Member at Large 
Boris Livshutz  Member at Large 
Tracy Procaccini  Member at Large
Maranda Williams Member at Large
Minola Hunt Member at Large
Margaret Rinker Member at Large

Looking for a chance to make a real difference? The Tampa Bay Chapter is searching for passionate individuals who want to drive research for treatments and cures for blinding diseases. If you're enthusiastic about our mission and eager to be a champion in the community, we'd love to have you on our Chapter Leadership Team! Please contact Cassandra Fridovich to learn more.

Chapter Events

  • Tampa Vision Connection

    • Aug 29, 2026
    • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)
    • 540 First St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

    Vision Connection Gathering: 2026 Tampa VisionWalk Kickoff

    Community Event

  • Quarterly Vision Webinar: Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

    • Oct 17, 2026
    • 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
    • Virtual

    Learn more about Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

    Foundation Event

  • Tampa VisionWalk

    • Oct 25, 2026
    • 9:30 a.m. (EDT)
    • 6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

    Join us for a day filled with entertainment, family-friendly activities, refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with others who share a commitment to the Foundation’s mission!

    VisionWalk

Additional Resources

  • Find a doctor who sees patients with inherited retinal diseases
  • Learn more about our Vision Warrior program and do-it-yourself events