Chasing the Light

In this week's entry, I share my real-time processing journey of the Self Leadership Experience program. Listeners will learn about the breakdowns and breakthroughs over the first two weeks of this experience, including the realization that I still struggle with acceptance of my disability. My vulnerabilities are on full display with this entry, but it feels amazing to release these thoughts from...

In this week’s entry, I share a recap of our trip to California for the International Bio Therapeutics Convention. Listeners will hear about our tourist adventures and my participation in the speaking engagements during the event. Recordings of both sessions will be coming soon! Thank you all so much for your support!

In this week's entry, I share the recording from the IRD Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill. I attended and spoke at this event with Alliance for Vision Research and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. It was an incredible experience, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to share my experience with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis. Thank you all so much for your continued support of the podcas...

In this week's entry, I provide a recap of the 19th annual Baltimore VisionWalk. Our team Jeepers Creepers celebrated 13 years of walking to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness' mission to further drive critical vision research. We had a beautiful Walk Day with family, friends, and fantastic weather! Lastly, I share the details for the upcoming IRD Congressional Briefing on June 8th with the...

In this week's entry, I share my thoughts about the importance of avoiding a negative mindset when living with blindness. Specifically, I provide examples from recent challenges in my own life including a messy and muddy Memorial Day run. Listeners will learn my strategies for turning life's lemons into a sweet batch of lemonade! Finally, I share two upcoming awareness and advocacy events that I w...

In this week's entry, I provide a recap of our recent adventure to NYC for the Foundation Fighting Blindness' annual Night for Sight. We enjoyed a lovely evening of inspirational speakers as we celebrated the outstanding progress in vision research. We returned home with a renewed hope and motivation to continue contributing our time and effort into supporting the Foundation's mission to end blind...

In this week's entry, I share the origin story of our VisionWalk team Jeepers Creepers, and the positive impact that the Foundation Fighting Blindness continues to play in my vision story. We participated in our first VisionWalk in 2014, and for the first time in my life, I experienced hope for a brighter future. Additionally, listeners will learn new details about the early years of my diagnosis...

In this week's entry, I celebrate the completion of my third book, Joyfully and Faithfully Fit: Thankful Thirteen. Listeners will learn about the origin of this book idea, my successes/struggles during the writing process, and the significance of the items on the book cover. I am excited to share this experience with everyone! Thank you all so much for your support! Questions or comments? Please r...

In this week's entry, I share the exciting highlights from our Tennessee adventure! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Inaugural Dollywood Race Weekend! Listeners will hear the story of Lucas and my half marathon race, and the challenges we encountered with a 5:25am start in the dense fog and darkness. As always, thank you all for supporting the podcast journey! Que...

In this week’s entry, I share my final thoughts leading up to the Dollywood Half Marathon this weekend. Listeners will learn my running origin story, and the support I received as a blind track athlete. Also, I discuss the impact of having a sighted guide, and the awesome technology that is being used by blind runners to assist in navigating racecourses. As always, thank you all so much for listen...

In this week's entry, I share my recent mental struggles related to blindness and everyday life. Specifically, I shed a light on the vulnerabilities I am experiencing as with a negative mindset and burnout. It has been a challenging season for a number of reasons; however, I am thankful to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, I provide a brief glimpse into my third book and its connect...

In this week’s entry, I have the privilege and honor to share Dr. Avila’s incredible vision journey. She is an accomplished educator, graduate program coordinator, and legend in the field of blindness and visual impairments. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn about the challenges and successes which Dr. Avila encountered throughout her lifetime along with her current advocacy work in the...

In this week's entry, I share my experience with choosing a career path as an individual living with blindness. Listeners will learn about the challenges I encountered as I considered my options for college and future employment. Finally, I discuss my experience with transportation barriers while contemplating possible careers. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! E...

In this week's entry, I share recent struggles and successes related to snowboarding, running, and the launch of our new Achilles Shenandoah Valley chapter in our local community. Listeners will have a glimpse into the highs and lows of blindness from my viewpoint. Despite it all, I remain hopeful and grateful for the blessed future ahead. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the Podcas...

In this week's entry, it is my privilege and honor to share the full documentary interview between my grandparents and I. This special moment will be nestled in my heart for a lifetime. I am grateful for this special gift from the production team. I hope listeners enjoy this exclusive behind the scenes glimpse into our unique relationship. As always, thank you so much for supporting the podcast jo...

Details: In this week's entry, I share my emotional reaction to the release of the documentary of my vision journey. Also, I express my deepest gratitude to Opus Genetics and the production crew for this special project. I will cherish these treasured memories for a lifetime. As always, thank you so much for your support! Documentary: https://youtu.be/75F9plL24a0 CTLpodcastjournal@gmail.com

In this week's entry, I addressed a recent question from a parent of a child with LCA. The question "What can/will my child see?" I pondered the question for a while before I directly responded to the parent; however, I thought it would be a great topic of discussion for the CTL podcast. Listeners will take part in a visualization exercise which includes a child with progressive vision loss as she...

In this week's entry, I share the extraordinary highlights from this past week. My emotions were all over the place as I overcame fears, enjoyed the fruits of labor, and I began two new adventures! I hope you all enjoy this entry! Thank you so much for your support! Documentary Trailer: https://youtu.be/Cn51zwIIX2c?si=Pz0EU8W8cl30Vf0b 📧 CTLpodcastjournal@gmail.com

In this week's entry, I share the recording from my recent speaking engagement for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. In December, I accepted an invitation to attend the Foundation's annual All Staff Retreat to share my experience as a participant in the LCA5 clinical trial. Listeners will hear the full hour session (my speech and questions from the staff). It was an incredible day, and I am so th...

In this week's entry, I am joined by my 14-year-old son Lucas as we share the details from our latest race together. He provides his perspective as a guide with a blind runner, and the challenges we experience during highly congested areas on a racecourse. I hope listeners enjoy this unique and special conversation. Thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! 📧 CTLpodcastjournal@gma...

In this week's entry, I share answers to recent listener questions while providing a refresher of my initial goals for the podcast journal. I am thrilled and grateful to have so many new listeners who are reaching out to share their vision stories. It is truly a blessing to connect with everyone through this platform. As always, thank you all so much for your encouragement and support! Questions o...

In this week's entry, I will discuss my recent experience as an Achilles athlete within our local community. Specifically, I share my hopes for our growing involvement within the organization in 2026. Additionally, I will discuss my recent "reset," and the tools I am utilizing to achieve my new goals in this new year. Thank you all so much for your support! Questions or comments? Please email us a...

In this week’s entry, I share about our Christmas snowboarding trip to the Pocono Mountains. Specifically, I discuss the struggles and successes I experience as a blind snowboarder. Listeners will learn about my 30 year snowboarding journey, including the time period I reluctantly stepped away from the sport due to the progression of my vision loss. I pray this is a story of hope for all who liste...

Details: In this week’s entry, I discuss my recent experience as a guest on the Eye on the Cure Podcast. I share about my long-time love for the podcast, and the story behind the episode interview. Finally, I share some of my Christmas favorites, and some exciting opportunities ahead in the new year! I hope everyone has a blessed and Merry Christmas! Thank you all so much for supporting the podcas...

Details: In this week's entry, I share a recap of the Christmas 5K, documentary filming (parts 2 & 3), our recent trip to Florida, and my 37th birthday at the beach! I feel so blessed because we made so many special memories in such a short period of time. My heart is full of gratitude and joy as we approach the end of another year! Thank you all so much for supporting the CTL Podcast Journal! Que...