Foundation Fighting Blindness

When the Lemay-Pelletier family from Montreal learned that three of their four children were losing vision from retinitis pigmentosa, they made the bold decision to spend 15 months traveling the world to give their kids as many visual memories as possible. Podcast host Ben Shaberman talks to the family about their many incredible adventures and the National Geographic documentary (to stream on Disney+ in late 2024) that beautifully captured the journey.

The companies are planning a Phase 3 clinical trial for the promising gene therapy.

The Foundation funded Dr. David Gamm for development of the induced pluripotent stem cell approach to be used in the trial.

The 36-participant trial will take place at multiple sites in Australia.

Sharon King, co-founder and president of Taylor’s Tale, talks to host Ben Shaberman about her family's journey when her daughter Taylor was diagnosed with Batten disease, a life-limiting, neurodegenerative disease that includes vision loss as a symptom. Taylor’s Tale is raising awareness of, and research funding for, Batten disease. Sharon is also a tireless advocate for the needs of the rare disease community.

Merger will provide additional capital for gene therapy development.

#WhiteCaneDay is here! Let's celebrate the strength and independence the white cane symbolizes! Do you use a white cane or other tools? Share your story with #ShareYourVision!

www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Researchers hope the molecule will slow the vision and hearing loss associated with USH3.

To help spread awareness during October’s Blindness Awareness Month, the Foundation Fighting Blindness invites you to share your unique experiences with blinding diseases through our social media campaign, #ShareYourVision.

Just as no two fingerprints are alike, our perception of the world through our eyes is equally distinct. Let’s come together as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the resilience found in the uniqueness of our sight. Join us this October and share your story through written word, audio, or video and inspire others!

Learn more at: www.FightingBlindness.org/ShareYourVision

Dr. Kia Washington, a professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical School, talks to host Ben Shaberman about her work in whole eye transplantation. Dr. Washington is also the first Black female plastic surgeon in the country to hold the title of full professor and she discusses the challenges of ensuring diversity and inclusion in her field.

This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.