Chasing the Light

In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, I am participating in the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ #ShareYourVision Campaign! In this bonus entry on my podcast journal “Chasing the Light,” I share my personal vision loss journey with a rare blinding inherited retinal disease, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA5). I describe my personal experience with blindness as I balance motherhood, marriage, and a...

In this week’s entry, I share the details following my most recent visit to Philadelphia for the two week post-op appointments in the LCA5 clinical trial. Additionally, I describe my experience with the prescribed medications throughout this surgery process. Finally, I provide the latest update for my current vision status as of Wednesday 9/27.

In this week’s entry, I share the details from our most recent visit to the University of Pennsylvania for the LCA5 clinical trial one week post-op appointment. Day 7 brought upon an unexpected part of the recovery process which resulted in a turn-around back to Philadelphia. Lastly, I provide a recent vision update as of Wednesday, 9/20.

In this week’s entry, I share my experience during my first eye surgery for the LCA5 clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I provide details of the “big day,” and the current status of my recovery on day 4 post-op (Friday). Lastly, I describe my excitement for the bright future ahead and the timeline of expectations for recognizing positive improvements in my vision! 👁️...

In this week’s entry, I share my final thoughts as I prepare for the LCA5 clinical trial surgery on Monday. My emotions are running wild, but my faith is stronger than ever as I continue to reflect upon this incredible journey!

In this week’s entry, I share my experiences with public speaking throughout my undergraduate studies. Specifically, I discuss the details of my first college speech and the utter embarrassment of being completely speechless. Journey through the transformation as I reflect on my battle with low self-esteem to eventually finding a place of self-love. From presentations, teaching observations, and a...

In this week’s entry, I share my experience and thoughts following my most recent visit to Philadelphia. With less than 3 weeks until the surgery, I explain the details pertaining to the baseline two assessments and pre-surgical appointments. I continue to be humbled and amazed by the incredible IRD research being conducted by the brilliant individuals in the Retina space. I feel so blessed and pr...

In this week’s entry, I reflect on my experience during my transition into middle school, and the barriers I encountered as a result of my blinding retinal disease. I describe my initial feelings when I began the first day of school as a 6th grade student with a disability. Additionally, I provide a glimpse into the challenges I experienced with each middle school subject during the school day, an...

In this week’s entry, we flip the script as we welcome our very first and special guest! Join my husband Zach and I for a sweet and sincere conversation about the affects of blindness from a spouse’s perspective. Zach shares his thoughts, emotions, highs, and lows as he journeys by my side through my progressive vision loss caused by my rare IRD. We hope everyone enjoys this authentic and genuine...

In this week’s entry, I share an update regarding a confirmed date for Baseline Two and Pre-Surgical appointments in the clinical trial. Additionally, I share my personal fitness journey and the affects of my restricted vision on my long-distance running adventures!

In this week’s entry, we journey into the public light as I describe the challenges of navigating in different environments. I share personal stressors and struggles which pertain to traveling in unfamiliar territories including vacations, athletic events, movie theaters, restraints, and restrooms. Additionally, I provide tips and strategies which I use to overcome some of the challenges of being...

In this week’s entry, I take a trip down memory lane to the beginning of my journey with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the light of hope which entered my life as a result. I share my experience with processing the words of my doctors as they show images of my deteriorating retinas from year to year. Additionally, I express my thoughts related to gaining second opinions and personal resear...

In this week’s entry, I eagerly share updates regarding the clinical treatment trial, including baseline two and surgery dates. Additionally, I provide a glimpse into the vulnerabilities associated with blindness and building communities throughout each season in life. I share my personal experiences with recognizing the lighthouses which shine their lights at the perfect moment in time and the si...

In this week’s entry, I share my personal experience as I continue to navigate motherhood with the progression of my vision loss. Further, I provide specific examples of challenges related to motherhood and blindness, including a terrifying event that will forever haunt my life. Learn how my sons embrace life with a mom who is blind, and learn how they continue to adapt every step of the way!

In this week's entry, I provide my personal experience navigating the labor force as an individual with a visual impairment. I share my perspective related to employment barriers, personal work experiences throughout my life, and potential stressors in the workplace.

In this week's entry, I provide a behind-the-scenes look into life as "patient one." I share my emotions following the official enrollment into the clinical treatment study for my vision condition, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. I discuss my first-time experience participating in a VR mobility course, and the extensive fatigue of "chasing the light" during hours of complex vision assessments.

In this week's entry, I share my love story and the resulting discovery of a pathway to acceptance of my blinding vision condition. Meet my husband Zach and learn how he becomes my real-life superhero!

In this week's entry, I provide a glimpse into the past with an overview of my history of living with a rare blinding inherited retinal disease, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. Content includes a discussion of the challenges I encountered during my K12 education, and the beautiful hope of a brighter future with an upcoming clinical treatment trial on the horizon.