Stories

Being diagnosed with anything can be hard, and you certainly will go through a range of emotions. You are not alone. Many have been in your shoes and have dealt with their diagnosis in different ways. Some feel a sense of relief when they can share their stories with others who are going through a similar situation. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a beacon for those affected by blinding retinal diseases. With our Beacon Stories, we share individual’s journeys with their disease and how their drive fuels them to pursue their passions. Not only do we find their stories aspirational, we believe these individuals are true beacons of strength, champions of courage, and advocates for hope. We hope these stories provide you with light that will get you through the darkness. Collectively, we are stronger together – as a community. Do you have a story you'd like to share with the Fighting Blindness community? Let us know at Marketing@FightingBlindness.org.

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Displaying 1–10 of 204

  • Oct 21, 2026

    A Career I Never Planned, a Mission I Never Expected

    Diagnosed with Stargardt disease at 18, Tom went on to build a remarkable four-decade career in low vision rehabilitation, helping countless individuals and families navigate vision loss. In his memoir, ‘There’s No Vision Like Low Vision,’ he reflects on the journey from uncertainty to purpose and the lessons he hopes will inspire others.

    Invisible Disability

  • Oct 16, 2026

    Pints for Sight: Fundraising Your Way in Eugene

    Pints for Sight is a great example of how Vision Warriors can fundraise their way. By bringing together friends, neighbors, and local supporters in Eugene, Baila Shakaib turned a simple idea into an event that advanced the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

    Fundraiser Success Stories

  • Oct 12, 2026

    A Daughter’s Hope for Her Mom

    Maggie grew up watching her mom navigate retinitis pigmentosa (RP), shaping her understanding of how vision loss affects entire families. Today, she uses her voice to raise awareness, support research, and help others affected by blinding diseases feel less alone.

    Beacon Stories

  • Oct 6, 2026

    “Asking for Help Is Not a Weakness”

    Although signs of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) began much earlier, Marcela San Miguel Cantu wasn’t diagnosed until age 40 and only later came to fully understand how her vision was changing. Through asking for help and connecting with others, she found support, community, and hope for the future.

    Beacon Stories

  • Oct 5, 2026

    From The Life I Couldn't See Yet: A Mother, a Son, and the Future Beyond a Rare Diagnosis

    Read an excerpt from The Life I Couldn’t See Yet, where Lisa Pleasants reflects on the guilt that can come with motherhood when there is no perfect choice, from missing one of Brendon’s biggest milestones to giving him the independence he was ready for, and then getting the phone call every parent fears.

    Invisible Disability

  • Sep 17, 2026

    It Doesn’t Ask for Permission

    C.J. Rodriguez opens up about life with retinitis pigmentosa and showcasing his experience through characters in his book, Bloom of the Huntresses.

    Invisible Disability

  • Sep 16, 2026

    What You Cannot See Through a Mothers Eyes

    A mothers perspective on her infant sons journey with bilateral congenital cataracts.

    Invisible Disability

  • Sep 14, 2026

    Finding the Light Within: How Joslyn Turned Vision Loss into Purpose

    Joslyn 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.

    Beacon Stories

  • Aug 24, 2026

    Jackson's New Discoveries After LUXTURNA

    After 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.

    Beacon Stories

  • Aug 10, 2026

    “More Like a Disco Ball”

    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.

    Beacon Stories