Eye on the Cure Podcast | Episode 103: Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd and Heather Edwards
Two non-profit professionals talk about plugging into community and finding low-vision resources through the Foundation.
September 2, 2026. Host Maddie Mossman talks to Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd, chief operating officer of the non-profit REACH Riverside, and Heather Edwards, president of the Foundation’s South Carolina Chapter. McCurdy-Bird and Edwards discuss with candor and humor their diagnoses with inherited retinal diseases, how they use accessibility tools to excel in their day-to-day lives and in their service-centered work, and how they plugged into the Foundation to make the personal connections and learn about resources that helped them along the way.
Foundation resources and topics mentioned during their conversation are included here:
- Foundation’s biannual conference for the blind and low vision community:VISIONS 2026: United in Vision — Foundation Fighting Blindness
- No-cost genetic testing for patients with IRDs:Open Access Genetic Testing Program — Foundation Fighting Blindness
- Information on accessibility apps and tools:Low Vision Resources — Foundation Fighting Blindness
- How to get involved with the Foundation network in your area:Find Your Local Chapter — Foundation Fighting Blindness
Please note:
- The Foundation does not provide medical or mental health diagnoses or treatments. Patients with health concerns should reach out directly to their health care providers.
- This episode touches on mental health concerns and suicidal thoughts. Listeners with mental health concerns should reach out directly to a provider. Mental health resources are available at our Mental Health Resource Center.
- Views and opinions of guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
