Chasing the Light

In this week’s entry, I share the details of my book release, our recent Achilles SV interest meeting, and new community connections for our growing chapter! Most excitingly, however, I have an update regarding the status of treatment for my second eye in the LCA5 clinical trial. The call came last week, and I am ready to share the joyful news with the CTL podcast listeners! As always, thank you a...

In this week's entry, I share the details related to the release of my newest book, Joyfully and Faithfully Fit: Thankful Thirteen. Further, I share the exciting announcement of release date this week (October 23rd) available in both paperback and Kindle ebook! All book sale proceeds will directly benefit the Achilles DMV region! Lastly, listeners will learn the struggles and successes we are expe...

In this week's entry, I share my experience as a blind runner in the 2026 Army Ten Miler on 10/11. Listeners will learn about my struggles and successes during the race, and the three motivators which carried me to the finish line. A huge thank you goes to Achilles DC for welcoming Lucas and I during this memorable event! Lastly, I provide a special announcement about the release date for my third...

In this week's entry, I share my recent experiences with managing the stresses of life as a blind mom and wife. Specifically, I focus on the past two weeks of craziness which caused an eye-opening stress outbreak and several low vision related collisions. Additionally, my plan for stablishing a more balanced lifestyle along with strategies I am currently using to decrease the stresses of living wi...

In this week's entry, we celebrate the 100-entry milestone of the Chasing the Light Podcast Journal! I share my favorite highlights since I began to record back in 2023. Also, I discuss the challenges I have conquered, and those that I continue to experience today. Listeners will learn my greatest highs and lows as a participant in the LCA5 clinical trial, including my feelings about being conside...

In this week's entry, I share my experience from recent "routine" medical appointments while independently navigating with my mobility cane. Specifically, I share my process of preparation prior to the appointments, my approach to requesting assistance from medical staff, and my perspective of patient care during the procedures. Also, I am excited to include the link to a new mini documentary from...

In this week's entry, I share a recap of our recent visit to Philadelphia for my three-year vision assessments in the LCA5 clinical trial. I provide an update of improvements in my daytime vision for my treated eye, and the timeline for treatment of my second eye. Listeners will learn my process when preparing for our trips to UPENN for these visits, and the power of my faith paired with my suppor...

In this week's entry, I share my final thoughts from the Self Leadership Experience. I am an official graduate of the program, and I am excited for listeners to learn my perspective shift from start to finish. Also, I provide answers to the questions, "What made this experience meaningful to you?" and "Would you recommend the program to others?" Finally, I share my feelings about my upcoming three...

In this week's entry, I have the honor and privilege to share the recording of the Story Telling Stage from the Bio Convention in June. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn about Dr. Jean Bennett and my perspectives as we share during a fireside conversation. I hope you all enjoy this very special memory from my summer. Thank you so much for your support! 📧 CTLpodcastjournal@gmail.com

Details: In this week's entry, I share my recent learning experiences in the SLE program as I near the end. Listeners will have the opportunity to come along as I walk and talk on the boardwalk during a beautiful Virginia Beach sunrise! I am excited to provide a deeper dive into my real-time mind shift throughout this program. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the CTL podcast journal...

In this week's entry, listeners will have the opportunity to hear the full Opus Genetics' panel session from the International Bio Convention in San Diego. I remain grateful for the invitation to share my experience as a clinical trial participant, and I am hopeful for the impact of Opus' efforts to elevate awareness in this way. As always, thank you all so much for your support! 📧 CTLpodcastjour...

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...