Stories
Displaying 51–60 of 175
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Talented Singer Overcomes Blindness with the Power of Melodies
Beacon StoriesSarah Hardwig’s love for music began from her earliest days, creating a purpose that would sustain even in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) before her first birthday, the young artist continues to defy all odds and utilize her voice as a powerful beacon of hope.
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Blind Author with Usher Syndrome Ignites the Literary World
Beacon StoriesAt the age of 22, Michael Garrigan received a life-changing diagnosis of Usher syndrome type 2. His vision gradually deteriorated over the years, and by the age of 45, he faced the reality of being legally blind. Determined to share his story and shed light on the capacity to triumph over darkness, Michael penned a remarkable memoir, “Ushered Out of Darkness,” in which he invites readers into his most vulnerable life moments and victories.
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Why Bob and Lupe Reintsma are Supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Beacon StoriesBob Reintsma has been passionate about finding cures for inherited retinal diseases for most of his life. Now, he and his wife, Lupe, want to make sure the work continues long after they’re gone. And they’re doing it in partnership with Foundation Fighting Blindness.
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Dan Day - Making a Difference Now and for Future Generations
Beacon Stories“Because I have seen such tremendous progress over the years, and I want that progress to continue until the day when we have cures for all retinal diseases, it is important to me that the Foundation be part of my lasting legacy.”
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Beacon Stories
“My husband and I have not been able to be significant Foundation supporters during our lifetimes,” she said, “but I would be honored to leave this gift as part of my legacy.”
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Beyond Labels: The Inspiring Journey of a Refsum Disease Advocate
Beacon StoriesAfter years of seeking answers, Alan Gunzburg was formally diagnosed with Refsum disease, a rare genetic disorder. Drawing on his unique journey, Alan sheds light on the obstacles he’s faced and how his experience motivated him to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
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The Retinal Research Community Mourns the Loss of Retinal Research Pioneer Thierry Léveillard
Beacon StoriesDr. Léveillard helped discover and develop a gene-agnostic, cone-preserving therapy for retinitis pigmentosa that’s moving into a clinical trial.
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Wellness
Eric Ringham is a retired senior editor at Minnesota Public Radio News, where he supervised arts and education coverage. Before joining the MPR staff in 2009, he completed almost 30 years at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, serving most of that time as commentary editor. Ringham also works part-time as a voice and stage actor. He and his spouse, Ann Wagner, live in south Minneapolis.
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I Am Blind, but I Am Not the Blindness
WellnessDr. Ann Wagner is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist who has worked at the Minneapolis VA HCS for the past 23 years, serving veterans and their families. She works primarily on the PTSD Clinical Team providing evidenced-based assessments and interventions for PTSD and other trauma-related problems. Dr. Wagner herself is legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa.
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Fundraiser Success Stories
Lindsey Blankenship, president of the Foundation Fighting Blindness Colorado Chapter, has created a one-of-a-kind Raising Our Sights Event. Wine for a Cure aims to spread awareness and fundraise on behalf of the Foundation Fighting Blindness with two signature wines from the Oregon Winery, Stoller Family Estates. The featured wines are a Chardonnay named “Variant” and a Pinot Noir named “Pigmentosa.”
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