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 141–150 of 174

  • Aug 5, 2019

    Hannah Dreams Big Despite Vision Loss

    Hannah has always had dreams of starting her own fashion line. And despite being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 15, she recently began an intimate company, Watson & Wilma.

    Beacon Stories

  • Jul 22, 2019

    Kailey’s Story of Hope

    13 year old Kailey Reichardt’s personal essay about her little sister Ashlyn, who was diagnosed with Leber congenital amarosis (LCA) at a young age. Kailey is a Beacon for other siblings impacted and going through similar situations.

    Beacon Stories

  • Jul 10, 2019

    My Retina Tracker, My Story

    Susan, who has retinitis pigmentosa, went through many tests in search of learning more about her eye disease. Once she enrolled in the My Retina Tracker® (MRT) testing program, Susan was provided with comprehensive results and a clear diagnosis, giving her clarity and hope.

    Beacon Stories My Retina Tracker Patient Stories

  • Jun 17, 2019

    Jack Sees a Different Life after LUXTURNA

    Jack Hogan was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at only two-and-a-half years old. But with the help of connections made with the Foundation, Jack became the first-ever recipient of the FDA-approved gene therapy known as LUXTURNA.

    Beacon Stories

  • Jun 3, 2019

    Original Foundation Advocate Gertrude Weiss Celebrates 100th Birthday

    Gertrude Weiss was one of the early Foundation Fighting Blindness investors and advocates. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Gertrude continues to live her life to the fullest. As a longtime friend, the Foundation honored Gertrude on her 100th birthday recently.

    Beacon Stories

  • Apr 26, 2019

    Legally Blind Artist Paul Castle Expresses His Story through Art

    Paul Castle was diagnosed with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 16, but continued to follow his passion for art. Now Paul is a full-time artist and donates 5 percent of his art sales to the Foundation.

    Beacon Stories

  • Oct 16, 2018

    A Boy with No Boundaries

    Kai Wang was 18 months old when he was diagnosed with the condition. His parents never imagined the extraordinary journey they would take with their son when they learned he had a condition that would render him blind.

    Beacon Stories

  • Jul 27, 2018

    Persevering to Success with the Support of Family, Friends, and Faith

    A story about living with retinitis pigmentosa.

    Beacon Stories

  • Dec 17, 2017

    Faith, Hope, and a Found Gene

    “I try not to get my hopes up too much, but I never lose hope; I’m determined. I just want to see my son’s face, see him get married, & see my grandchildren. I encourage everyone with a retinal disease to get a genetic test & to never ever give up hope.“

    Beacon Stories

  • Oct 9, 2017

    Joe Caruso: Giving Back

    Joe Caruso, founder of FOCUS Wine Foundation, knows life both with and without the ability to see. His first memory is sitting in the waiting room with his mother at the Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia.

    Beacon Stories