Legacy Beacon Stories

Zach was diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) through genetic testing from the Foundation’s My Retina Tracker® Program. Today, he is looking ahead with purpose — supporting research through the Foundation, planning for his future, and encouraging others to do the same.

Dr. Debora Elliott Ward, a clinical psychologist living with retinitis pigmentosa, shares her journey of resilience, professional success, and commitment to supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness by naming it a beneficiary in her estate plans.

Eva Watson’s life was marked by her dedication to advancing medical research for blinding diseases, and her generous bequest to the Foundation Fighting Blindness ensures her advocacy will endure. Her story highlights the profound impact of her contributions to driving treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

“Legacy giving is about carrying the torch for future generations,” Fai shares. “It’s about ensuring that one day, we can all celebrate victories over vision loss together.”

“I have spent a lifetime attempting to prove what I can do, which has allowed Emily and I to be in a place where we can help. Please consider joining us.“

Bob Reintsma has been passionate about finding cures for inherited retinal diseases for most of his life. Now, he and his wife, Lupe, want to make sure the work continues long after they’re gone. And they’re doing it in partnership with Foundation Fighting Blindness.

“Because I have seen such tremendous progress over the years, and I want that progress to continue until the day when we have cures for all retinal diseases, it is important to me that the Foundation be part of my lasting legacy.”

“My husband and I have not been able to be significant Foundation supporters during our lifetimes,” she said, “but I would be honored to leave this gift as part of my legacy.”