Foundation Fighting Blindness Celebrates 20 Years of VisionWalk
Foundation News
VisionWalk has been uniting communities across the country for 20 years, all while raising awareness and funding research driving treatments and cures for blinding diseases.
COLUMBIA, Maryland – February 12, 2025 – The Foundation Fighting Blindness, the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases, recognizes 20 years of its VisionWalk fundraising program in 2025. This milestone year will be celebrated with VisionWalk events across the country, bringing the community together in the fight against blinding diseases.
Since its inception, VisionWalk has raised over $71 million nationally, thanks to the dedication and generosity of more than 235,000 participants, donors, and corporate sponsors. What began with just 11 VisionWalks in its first year has expanded to 33 events nationwide. The funds raised through VisionWalks have been instrumental in advancing pivotal research for innovative treatments and cures for blinding diseases, with nearly 50 potential therapies currently in clinical trials.
VisionWalk participants will enjoy 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. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #VisionWalk and tagging the Foundation Fighting Blindness on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Kicking off the VisionWalk 20-year celebration is the Austin-San Antonio VisionWalk being held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.
“Our family has been part of the Austin-San Antonio VisionWalk since we learned my son, Jameson, was diagnosed with Stargardt disease in the summer of 2008,” says Todd Dunn, long-time VisionWalk Team Captain from San Antonio, Texas. “It’s been an incredible journey over the last 17 years that keeps us motivated to find a cure.”
Todd’s family and friends, along with his wife and chapter co-president, Meredith Dunn, have gathered each year in honor of Jameson and the millions of others affected by blinding diseases.
“Not only has it given us hope for breakthroughs in research, but it’s also connected us with an amazing community of people who truly understand the challenges of living with blinding diseases,” added Todd. “Every year, we look forward to walking alongside friends, old and new, knowing that together we’re making a difference in the fight for sight. I’m confident that through the Foundation Fighting Blindness and with events like VisionWalk, we will find treatments and cures.”
“Reaching this 20-year milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our VisionWalk communities across the country,” says Jason Menzo, chief executive officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. “The pace of breakthroughs in vision research has accelerated at an unprecedented rate, and so much is now within our reach. Every step we take at these VisionWalks brings us closer to our mission.”
Join us in celebrating 20 years of progress and hope. Register for a VisionWalk in your area and support the Foundation by visiting www.VisionWalk.org. For more information, contact VisionWalk@FightingBlindness.org.
About the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Established in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases. The Foundation has raised more than $954 million toward its mission of accelerating research that will provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, age-related macular degeneration, and the spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. Visit FightingBlindness.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Chris Adams
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
CAdams@FightingBlindness.org
410-423-0585
