Chef and educator Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, shares how vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa led her from culinary school to building a resource hub for blind and low-vision cooks. She discusses adaptive tools, smart safety strategies, and the freedom that comes when cooking feels possible again for kids, teens, and adults.

You'll hear practical ideas for building kitchen confidence, from simple nonvisual techniques like keeping a sink of soapy water ready, to tools such as work trays, cut gloves, and predictable setups for blind cooks. Debra shares ways families can support young children learning to help in the kitchen, how teens and adults move from fear to independence, and why step-by-step exposure to tools and heat builds real skills over time.

Explore the products mentioned in this episode, video resources, recipes, and more at theblindkitchen.com

Follow The Blind Kitchen on social media:

· Instagram: @theblindkitchen1

· Facebook: @theblindkitchen

· LinkedIn: @Debra Erickson – The Blind Kitchen

· YouTube: @theblindkitchen

You can find more episodes, upcoming events, and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

When opportunity called, Wallace Stuckey answered by moving from Washington, DC to London to pursue his master's degree. His story is about curiosity, courage, and the practical side of starting a new life in a global city.

Through stories of learning new systems, meeting people from around the world, and finding accessibility in unexpected places, Wallace reminds us that growth often begins the moment we step outside what's familiar.

You can find more episodes, upcoming events, and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation on our website at prrf.org

Connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

In this heartfelt episode of *Through Our Eyes*, host Nicole Giudici welcomes Lisa LoVasco and her daughter Aria to share their emotional journey navigating Aria's diagnosis of a rare retinal disease, FEVR. As a new mom, Lisa recalls the overwhelming flood of unfamiliar information during that first doctor's visit, wishing for a simple, doctor-backed resource folder to guide families away from the chaos of online searches. Feeling powerless in the face of a condition with no family history, Lisa quickly sought community through PRRF—initially via early connections and Dr. Capone's guidance—turning involvement into a healing process. For over five years, they've embraced events like the Hope for Vision Walk and Family Connection Conference, transforming isolation into tangible action for research and support.

The episode shines with stories of resilience, like Aria's instant bond with Mia Doben, another young girl with FEVR, sparked at a conference meet-and-greet that felt like a "dream come true." Their friendship has blossomed through playdates, shared adventures, and mutual parent support, easing the loneliness of being "the only one" at school or in the neighborhood. Lisa, a Family Advisory Committee member, offers advice for new families: stay hopeful, lean on doctors for facts, and seek community to combat the unknowns. Aria chimes in with walk highlights—donuts, hill races, and glittery hair—while sharing her vibrant life of choir, violin, dance, and upcoming 11th birthday sleepover. Tune in for inspiration, and join the Hope for Vision Walk on September 28, 2025, at prrf.org to celebrate connections that fuel hope and research.

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

In this episode of the Through Our Eyes Podcast, we speak with Sheldon Lewis, a dedicated professional and family man who lives with a rare inherited condition called choroideremia, which causes progressive vision loss. Sheldon shares his journey, starting with his diagnosis at age nine and navigating the challenges of vision loss without much familial support in his early years. Despite these obstacles, he built a career in the textile industry, married, and raised two sons who are free of the condition. Sheldon's story takes a pivotal turn in his mid-forties when a fall due to his worsening vision led him to embrace the white cane, opening doors to greater independence and community support. His resilience shines through as he transitioned in his sixties to a fulfilling career in accessibility technology, working with a company that provides free website accessibility solutions for disability-focused nonprofits.

Sheldon's story is one of perseverance and adaptability, as he reflects on overcoming fear, learning to use tools like screen readers, and finding purpose through advocacy and creative pursuits like songwriting with AI tools. He emphasizes the importance of trying new things despite challenges, engaging with his grandchildren to foster understanding, and encouraging parents to discuss future possibilities with children who have vision loss. Sheldon also offers practical advice for the sighted community, urging them to communicate directly with visually impaired individuals and offer help respectfully. His work on a new website, Vision Adventurers, aims to inspire and provide resources for the visually impaired community. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message about resilience, humor, and the power of community, leaving listeners inspired by Sheldon's ability to reshape his future despite vision loss.

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

Join us on this heartfelt episode of Through Our Eyes by the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation, where Megan, a devoted mother, shares her journey raising her visually impaired son, David. Diagnosed with a rare pediatric retinal condition at six weeks old, David faced significant challenges, but with the support of an exceptional Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), an inclusive school, and a tailored Individualized Education Program (IEP), he's thriving in first grade. From learning Braille to playing goalball with classmates, David's story highlights resilience, advocacy, and the power of community in ensuring every child can succeed. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about navigating school life, fostering inclusivity, and empowering children with visual impairments. Visit PRRF.org for more on supporting families and research into rare retinal conditions. #ThroughOurEyes #VisualImpairment #InclusiveEducation

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

🎙️ Meet Laura, a remarkable young woman from Michigan living with FEVR, a rare retinal disease. Diagnosed at 18 months, she's blind in one eye but embraces life fully, from her job in memory care to training her service dog. Laura shares how her family's support and an IEP helped her thrive, urging others: "FEVR doesn't define you—it's just part of your story." Tune in for her inspiring journey and visit PRRF.org for more on pediatric retinal research! #RareDisease #Podcast #ThroughOurEyes

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

Wallace Stuckey returns to the Through Our Eyes podcast for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Capone of the PRRF. From early childhood surgeries to navigating significant milestones like high school, college, and grad school at King's College in London, Wallace discusses overcoming challenges with the support of his family, medical team, and assistive technology. He offers insights on advocating for accessibility, embracing technology, and building a robust support system, while also sharing his passion for public service and personal hobbies like walking accessible trails and traveling. This fireside chat highlights resilience, determination, and the power of community in achieving success.

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

In this heartfelt episode of the "Through Our Eyes" podcast, host Luisa Recchia sits down with Brianna Soper (formerly Willett) to discuss her recent wedding journey. Brianna, who has been visually impaired since her childhood due to retinitis pigmentosa, shares how her condition influenced the wedding planning process—from selecting her dress with the help of her supportive uncles to relying on her husband Matt for visual descriptions of centerpieces and other details. She highlights the importance of photography and videography in capturing moments she could later experience up close, like seeing Matt's reaction as she walked down the aisle. Brianna also touches on unique adjustments, such as memorizing her wedding vows and navigating the challenges of changing her name post-marriage. The episode wraps up with a look into her future plans, including saving for a house and exploring options for starting a family. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about love, resilience, and celebrating life's big moments. Plus, don't miss details on the upcoming Family Connection Conference on April 26, 2025!

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

In this inspiring episode of Through Our Eyes, we relaunch into a new season of the show with a powerful story of hope, resilience, and advocacy. Host Lisa Recchia welcomes Colin Walls and his father, Chuck, to share their journey navigating Colin's diagnosis of a rare retinal disease at just four years old. From early challenges and uncertainties to becoming advocates and champions for groundbreaking research, the Walls family's story offers valuable insights for anyone facing the unknown.

Guided by our podcast assistant, Brianna Soper, the conversation dives into their experiences, the impact of the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation, and Colin's inspiring determination to live a full and vibrant life. Whether it's overcoming challenges in education, finding joy in hobbies like working on cars, or embracing the power of advocacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Stay tuned until the end for details about the upcoming Family Connection Conference in April 2025—a unique event bringing together families, experts, and advocates in the fight against retinal diseases.

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help us spread hope to more families. Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

In this episode we speak with Amy Wilson, founder of the Safety Positive Foundation, who shares her journey from being a tomboy growing up in Missouri, diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration at age 10, to accepting her blindness and launching a nonprofit.

Amy's foundation addresses personal safety needs in the blind community, offering services such as peer support groups, verbal advocacy training, and self-defense courses, all accessible virtually. She emphasizes the importance of personal safety, mental health, and dignity for the blind and visually impaired.

Amy also shares her personal passion for self-defense, influenced by her wrestling and judo background, and highlights the impact of her work on individuals in the blind community. The podcast concludes with details on how listeners can support the Safety Positive Foundation through donations, awareness, and getting involved.

Connect with Amy and the the Safety Positive Foundation:

https://www.safetypositivefdn.org/

https://www.instagram.com/blindamy_/reels/?hl=en