In this week’s entry, I share my experience and thoughts following my most recent visit to Philadelphia. With less than 3 weeks until the surgery, I explain the details pertaining to the baseline two assessments and pre-surgical appointments.

I continue to be humbled and amazed by the incredible IRD research being conducted by the brilliant individuals in the Retina space. I feel so blessed and priveledged to be a small part of such a beautiful and important mission.

In this week’s entry, I reflect on my experience during my transition into middle school, and the barriers I encountered as a result of my blinding retinal disease. I describe my initial feelings when I began the first day of school as a 6th grade student with a disability. Additionally, I provide a glimpse into the challenges I experienced with each middle school subject during the school day, and the unique strategies I used to overcome the stressors related to my restricted vision. Finally, I detail the first day of school from my perspective as a TVI as I made preparations for my transitioning vision students each year.

In this week’s entry, we flip the script as we welcome our very first and special guest! Join my husband Zach and I for a sweet and sincere conversation about the affects of blindness from a spouse’s perspective. Zach shares his thoughts, emotions, highs, and lows as he journeys by my side through my progressive vision loss caused by my rare IRD. We hope everyone enjoys this authentic and genuine interview! This is one you won’t want to miss!

In this week’s entry, I share an update regarding a confirmed date for Baseline Two and Pre-Surgical appointments in the clinical trial. Additionally, I share my personal fitness journey and the affects of my restricted vision on my long-distance running adventures!

In this week’s entry, we journey into the public light as I describe the challenges of navigating in different environments. I share personal stressors and struggles which pertain to traveling in unfamiliar territories including vacations, athletic events, movie theaters, restraints, and restrooms. Additionally, I provide tips and strategies which I use to overcome some of the challenges of being blind in the public setting.

In this week’s entry, I take a trip down memory lane to the beginning of my journey with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the light of hope which entered my life as a result. I share my experience with processing the words of my doctors as they show images of my deteriorating retinas from year to year. Additionally, I express my thoughts related to gaining second opinions and personal research, and the necessity to become an advocate for yourself or loved ones who may be affected by blindness.

In this week’s entry, I eagerly share updates regarding the clinical treatment trial, including baseline two and surgery dates. Additionally, I provide a glimpse into the vulnerabilities associated with blindness and building communities throughout each season in life. I share my personal experiences with recognizing the lighthouses which shine their lights at the perfect moment in time and the significant impacts which result from each encounter.

In this week’s entry, I share my personal experience as I continue to navigate motherhood with the progression of my vision loss. Further, I provide specific examples of challenges related to motherhood and blindness, including a terrifying event that will forever haunt my life. Learn how my sons embrace life with a mom who is blind, and learn how they continue to adapt every step of the way!

In this week's entry, I provide my personal experience navigating the labor force as an individual with a visual impairment. I share my perspective related to employment barriers, personal work experiences throughout my life, and potential stressors in the workplace.

In this week's entry, I provide a behind-the-scenes look into life as "patient one." I share my emotions following the official enrollment into the clinical treatment study for my vision condition, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. I discuss my first-time experience participating in a VR mobility course, and the extensive fatigue of "chasing the light" during hours of complex vision assessments.