A Legacy of Strength, Adaptability, and Generosity: Richard and Elizabeth Kamis
Beacon Stories
Richard 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.
Richard and Elizabeth, both wearing blue shirts, smiling together in front of a brick wall.
Richard and Elizabeth Kamis built their lives around resilience, service, and generosity. For more than 67 years, they faced challenges with determination and built a legacy that continues to inspire and will impact generations to come.
Richard lost most of his vision in childhood due to a rapidly progressing form of retinitis pigmentosa. Early in life, he faced the misconception that his vision loss meant he could not learn. His transfer to Perkins School for the Blind became a turning point, where teachers helped him recognize his potential and encouraged him to excel. He went on to Springfield College, where he became the first blind student to graduate, finishing third in his class at a time when disability services were virtually nonexistent.
It was through Springfield’s Glee Club that Richard met Elizabeth, the woman he would later describe as his partner in a “superific journey.” They married shortly after graduation, beginning careers together at Perkins, where Richard taught physical education and Elizabeth served as an administrative assistant. Later, they settled in Cape Cod, where Richard pursued carpentry before completing a master’s in special education.
Determined to teach, he eventually found an opportunity in New Jersey, where he worked with at-risk youth while Elizabeth served as an administrator at a local Presbyterian Church. In 1990, they moved to Hawaii to be closer to nieces and nephews, before retiring to North Carolina in 2013. Richard and Elizabeth passed away within six months of each other—Elizabeth in December 2023 and Richard in June 2024.
Their generosity to the Foundation Fighting Blindness was a natural extension of their lives of service. In 2021, during the Foundation’s “Victory for Vision” campaign, they documented a legacy gift while continuing to support the Foundation annually. Their estate plans also included an Irrevocable Trust for their niece and grandniece that will ultimately provide additional, transformational support to the Foundation’s mission.
Inspired by the progress being made, Richard was motivated to help advance treatments and cures that could change the future for generations to come. As longtime friend and executor Ellen Price shared, “Their decision to leave this gift stemmed from their love of solving problems and a sincere desire to make life easier for others.”
“We are deeply grateful that Richard and Elizabeth shared their legacy plans with us during their lifetimes,” says Jason Menzo, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. “It allowed us to express our gratitude, connect with them personally, and share how their generosity would make a lasting impact. Their kindness and foresight will continue to drive our mission and inspire others.”
Richard and Elizabeth’s legacy ensures their spirit of generosity will continue to fuel research progress, bringing hope and possibility to countless families affected by blinding diseases.
