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Displaying 1–10 of 160 stories results
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Built on Grit: Breaking Barriers to Employment
Beacon StoriesIn honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re celebrating Mike Hess, founder of the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT). After years of being the “token blind guy” in the corporate world, Mike turned his experience into a movement for equity and opportunity—empowering blind, low vision, and disabled professionals with training, resources, and pathways to meaningful careers.
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A Family United: Thomas’ Hero’s Journey with CRB1
Beacon StoriesWhen Becky’s son Thomas was diagnosed with a rare CRB1-associated disease, their family’s world changed. But today, Becky and Thomas are embracing advocacy, community, and research as they work to raise awareness and fuel progress toward treatments and cures.
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Beacon Stories
Maverick, a determined and adventurous 11-year-old, was diagnosed with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) at age six, which led his family to find support and resources through the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Since his diagnosis, Mav continues to pursue his passions in sports and outdoor activities, inspiring his family with his resilience and positive attitude.
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Beacon Stories
Lindsey Rambo once believed treatment was meant for someone else. Today, she’s the first participant in a groundbreaking gene therapy trial for LCA5—and her journey is lighting the way for what’s possible in the future of vision research.
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Perseverance of a Six-Time Paralympian
Beacon StoriesAs a six-time goalball Paralympian, Lisa has turned her progressive vision loss into a powerful source of strength and inspiration. Through her incredible journey—overcoming barriers, achieving five Paralympic medals, and becoming a passionate disabilities advocate—Lisa exemplifies how embracing life’s challenges can lead to extraordinary success and personal growth.
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Shifting Perspectives—One Video at a Time
Beacon StoriesNatasha Caudill is a content creator and disability advocate who uses her platform of over 1.3 million TikTok followers to shift perceptions about blindness and achromatopsia. Through candid and educational videos, she invites others to experience the world through her eyes, literally in black and white. Her content reminds us that disability isn’t a limitation but simply a different and equally valuable way of experiencing the world.
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Turning RP into a Canvas of Hope
Beacon StoriesDiagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at 12, Raquel spent years navigating vision loss without support. But everything changed when she connected with the Foundation Fighting Blindness — and found not just answers, but community. Now an artist, advocate, and leader in San Diego, Raquel uses her story and her art as the founder of Unblurred Collection to raise awareness, give back, and inspire others living with blinding diseases.
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Legacy Donor Spotlight: Dr. Debora Elliott Ward
Beacon StoriesDr. 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.
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A Mother’s Vision of a More Inclusive World
Beacon Stories WellnessThis Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating Krystle — a beacon of creativity, courage, and community. Legally blind mom Krystle Boateng couldn’t find children’s books she could comfortably read to her sons, so she created her own. Through her publishing company, Inside Ability Book, she’s redefining accessibility in children’s books and empowering individuals and families navigating vision loss and other disabilities.
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Beacon Stories Wellness
Rob Howden’s journey with AMD and GA truly shows that individuals can take control of their vision loss journey and find strength within their community. His story emphasizes the importance of proactive treatment, taking care of your mental health, and the invaluable support of friends and neighbors.
