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Displaying 1–10 of 174 stories results
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Finding the Light Within: How Joslyn Turned Vision Loss into Purpose
Beacon StoriesJoslyn Marquez spent years searching for answers before being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 16. Rather than allowing vision loss to define her, she transformed her journey into a source of purpose, community and empowerment.
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Jackson's New Discoveries After LUXTURNA
Beacon StoriesAfter receiving LUXTURNA at age 9, Jackson Kennedy began experiencing everyday moments he had never been able to see before—from ice cubes floating in a glass to traffic moving through a city street. Today, Jackson is an honor roll student and dedicated wrestler looking ahead to college, while embracing the possibilities his treatment has helped make possible.
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Beacon Stories
Since becoming involved with the Foundation Fighting Blindness 10 years ago, Brenda has become a dedicated leader, advocate and champion for the community. Whether welcoming someone newly diagnosed, leading the Fort Wayne Chapter or participating in a clinical trial to help advance research, Brenda has dedicated herself to creating more hope and opportunity for others.
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The Clinical Trial That Opened His World
Beacon StoriesAfter decades of adapting to vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Manny Fernandez became one of the first people to receive an experimental gene therapy in a clinical trial. The experience not only restored a small part of his peripheral vision but also renewed his hope for the future and inspired him to encourage others to consider clinical trials, too.
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Beacon Stories
Tamar Bresge is an artist, writer, and educator living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) due to Usher syndrome. She reflects on her vision loss journey from hiding her diagnosis to embracing it as an inseparable part of her identity — and how her work in art, writing, and teaching has become a way to create the visibility and connection she once needed herself.
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Taking the Stage for Stargardt
Beacon StoriesDiagnosed with Stargardt disease at age nine, Havah Fleisner spent years feeling isolated by her vision loss before discovering confidence through pageantry and advocacy. Now, as Miss Northern Lights Teen 2026, she’s using her platform to create community, raise awareness, and inspire others living with blinding diseases.
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More Than What You See: Navigating Vision Loss and Mental Health
Beacon Stories WellnessAt 25, Austin experienced sudden vision changes that led to a diagnosis of Usher syndrome type 2A, reshaping how he moved through the world and how he saw his future. The emotional impact of this vision loss affected his mental health, leading to isolation before he began to openly process his experience and seek connection. Today, he uses his journey to inspire Rare Perspective Co., creating space for more open conversations and understanding around vision loss.
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Seen at Last: How Love Is Blind Gave Madison a Platform for RP
Beacon StoriesFrom reality TV to real-world impact, Madison Maidenberg turned her Love Is Blind spotlight into a platform for blinding diseases. As a contestant living with retinitis pigmentosa, she’s challenging misconceptions about blindness and becoming a powerful voice for the blind and low vision community.
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A Legacy of Strength, Adaptability, and Generosity: Richard and Elizabeth Kamis
Beacon StoriesRichard and Elizabeth built a life rooted in resilience, service, and generosity, with Richard’s experience living with retinitis pigmentosa shaping their shared purpose. From breaking barriers in education to helping others, their impact continues to help advance research for generations to come.
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From Hiding to Helping: How Cory Turned Vision Loss Into a Life With No Limits
Beacon StoriesAfter years of hiding his vision loss, Cory Rainford now uses his voice to help others navigate life with choroideremia. As his blinding disease progressed, he worked hard to keep it invisible, even leaving his dream job. Today, through his YouTube channel Legally Blind No Limits, Cory shares honest, humorous videos about adapting and finding community, showing others that life with vision loss can still be full of possibilities.
