Retinal Realities

Retinal Realities, Youth Edition celebrates World Youth Skills Day (15 July 2023).

On the podcast today Sonya and Samantha are joined by HiltonLangenhoven, who shares his phenomenal journey as a former paralympic athlete, world champion and commonwealth medallist.

A story filled with courage, determination, and resilience about “chasing” your dreams and believing in leaps of faith.

 “Don’t cheat your workout, break-up with your comfort zone” - Hilton Langenhoven

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

On the Youth Edition podcast today, we are joined by Charlie Dyasi and his guide dog Billy.

Charlie is an inspiration to many. Despite his glaucoma, he has managed to become a successful sound engineer, voice over artist, radio presenter and podcast host. He has worked hard to develop hisskills and knowledge in the music and entertainment industry, ultimately pursuing his childhood dreams.

He is an example of how determination and hard work can help you achieve your goals, even when faced with a disability.Charlie together with his guide dog, Billy is no doubt an expression of “the sky is the limit”.

“You are only disabled when you let yourself be disabled”, you are as abled as you are letting yourself and your mind be" –Charlie Dyasi

Empowering youth today for a brighter tomorrow.

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This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

An introductory podcast which outlines the intention of the Retinal Realities Podcast: Youth Edition founded by Retina South Africa.

This is a platform which will be used to empower, create awareness and support the youth of South Africa, who are living with a retinal condition.

Through interviews with young people, their families and medical professionals the podcast will also explore the challenges and successes of living with a retinal condition.

We encourage the members of the youth to interact with us on our social media platforms and share ideas and topics which may be of value and interest to them.

“Empowering youth today for a brighter tomorrow” 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.co.za/retinasouthafrica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retinasouthafrica

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Retina__SA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC54Y69fvfcCrsI8WIlFylIQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retina-south-africa

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

Welcome to the latest episode on the Retinal Realities Podcast "Paws at the Office" our guests today are Mariza Jurgens and her guide dog Dotty. Today on Bring your Dog to Work Day we celebrate Dotty.

Mariza is an international renowned advocate for accessibility and is currently on the working group to improve information accessibility for the disabled in South Africa. 

Mariza has a visual impairment called ⁠Cone Rod Dystrophy.⁠ Mariza relies on Dotty and technology to help her navigate the world. Mariza and Dotty have a strong bond, and Dotty has received special training from the Guide Dogs UK to help her with tasks such as crossing the street, avoiding obstacles and finding her way around.  Dotty is trained to respond to Mariza's commands and to alert her to any potential dangers.

Let’s show our appreciation for these amazing animals and the people they help!

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

Happy Youth Day!

We are so excited to have Alani Ferreira on the Retinal Realities podcast this week to remind the youth that they have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to. The message she is trying to get across is "Don’t let your disability limit you”, people are going to try and put you into a box, but the box has a lid, open the lid and climb out.

Alani (25) was diagnosed with Stargardts at age 12. Since then she has completed both her BCom Strategic Management and BCom Honors in Management with distinction and is working in Agriculture! Above this Alani spends her spare time at the pool and is actually a two-time Paralympic swimmer. Last but not least, Alani adventures through life with her side kick and guide dog Gatsby.

Alani is an inspiration to all, showing that even if you face unique challenges due to your visual impairment, you can still reach your goals and make your dreams come true.
For more information on Stargardts visit our website at www.retinasa.org.za

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

World Ocean Week is celebrated from the 2-11 June with World Ocean Day being 8th June 2023, it is an important day to recognize and celebrate the ocean and its importance to our planet. It is a day to raise awareness about the ocean and its importance to our lives, and to take action to protect it.On today's podcast we interview Michele McFarlane, a parasurfer with Retinitis Pigmentosa who represented South Africa in the 2022 World Parasurfing Championships.

Parasurfing:A visually impaired person can still surf the waves with the help of a guide. The guide can provide verbal instructions to the surfer, such as when to paddle, when to turn, and when to stand up. The guide can also provide physical assistance, such as helping the surfer to stand up on the board and providing balance. Additionally, the guide can provide emotional support and encouragement to the surfer.

Michele's Story:

In 2005, Michele was diagnosed with 40 degrees vision due to the deteriorating eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa. Michele had to give up driving which ignited a spark to get out and tackle the world in the form of Judo. She set herself the goal of competing in the Western Province Championships, and found herself qualifying to compete in the Nationals where she won a silver medal. Michele found that the tough training gave her the strength and resilience to navigate a shrinking world.

As the years have reduced Michele's sight, she has continued to challenge herself, with the purpose of being a positive inspiration for those with disabilities. To this end, Michele has donned a bikini for at the Ms. Fitness SA Nationals, sung at the Artscape Theatre, had a book published, and hiked through rural Venda.

Two years ago, Michele did an adaptive surf clinic with the Roxy Davis Foundation, and with her signature drive entered her first local competition the following year. In December 2022 Michele represented South Africa in the World Parasurfing Championships.

Surfing has formed into an enduring passion, it's therapeutic benefits which Michele wishes to share far and wide. She does this through her posts on social media, writing and public speaking. 

Michele's future plans are to compete in the Paralympics in 2028 for her 60th, her mission being to raise awareness and also to inspire others. Michele's message is that it really is never too late to be great, and to follow your dreams however silly they might seem.

Michelle is an inspiration to many, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.For more information about Retinitis Pigmentosa visit www.retinasa.org.za

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

In this episode we chat to Linsay Engelbrecht - Paratriathlete who has competed around the world.

Linsay was diagnosed at the age of 23 with Stargardts disease a genetic progressive eye disorder. Linsay wasn't very sporty until she met her husband Deon who encouraged her to go paddling with him and convinced her that she would enjoy running and cycling too.

Linsay went on to run the Comrades in 2018 and 2019 and while training for Comrades she would participate in cycling events. Linsay is currently involved in Triathlons and represents South Africa as a parathriathlete.

Linsay shared this quote with us from Eleanor Roosevelt - “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Linsay has certainly done the thing she thought she couldn't do and through it she has gained strength, courage and confidence. Thank You Linsay for sharing your story with us and our listeners.

This podcast is made possible by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

In this episode we talk to Claudette Medefindt, Head of Science at Retina South Africa.

Claudette has Retinitis Pigmentosa and she was one of the founder Members of Retina South Africa and Retina SA were in turn one of the founder members of Retina International.

Claudette is a trained peer Counsellor and is at present the National Secretary and also heads up the Science and Patient Services Sub Committees. Claudette has been a volunteer at Retina SA for the past 40 years.

As a peer counsellor, Claudette counsels newly diagnosed people and she has realised how frightening this journey is going to be for them. "We want to use our patients or experts in the field to come onto our podcast to give a short perhaps inspiring or informative talk about what can help people face this journey".

"We would like patients, family members or experts to come onto our podcast and offer practical advice and answers to questions".

We want people to know that they are not alone in this journey, we are here to help you.

If you would like to share your inspirational story with us, send an e-mail to [email protected] or via our website at www.retinasa.org.za or call our Sharecall 0860 59 59 59.

This podcast is supported by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd.

Podcast Disclaimer: Any information, either audio or visual, contained on this Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.

In this podcast Karen Denton Head of Advocacy and Awareness shares what listeners can expect from the Retinal Realities Podcast:

Should you have a retinal condition or be a family member of a person who has a retinal condition, or a professional who has an interesting or inspiring story to tell please contact Retina SA via our e-mail at [email protected].

We are not medical doctors, and you should always contact your physician or other qualified health care professional for any medical advice you need.

The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the views of Retina South Africa or any of our sponsors.