Foundation Fighting Blindness

Spotlight on Choroideremia 👁️🗨️ Did you know that choroideremia occurs primarily in males? Choroideremia is an inherited disease that causes progressive loss of vision and is passed down in families by the X-linked pattern of inheritance. To learn more about choroideremia, visit our website at: https://lnkd.in/emix3BwK Image Description: Dark blue background with the Spotlight on Choroideremia logo top-center. Text below that reads, “Choroideremia is caused by mutations in the CHM gene and is passed down in families by the X-linked pattern of inheritance.” An illustration of a DNA strand is to the right.

Spotlight on Choroideremia 👁️🗨️ John-Ross Rizzo, a dedicated New York-based researcher, was confronted with life-altering news at a young age when he was diagnosed with choroideremia. Driven by the obstacles he faced due to his condition, he now stands as a key figure leading the development of advanced assistive technology, with the goal of reshaping the daily commutes of those with low vision and blindness. Read John-Ross's full story at: https://bit.ly/4ffrWea Image Description: To the left, John-Ross standing with Steven R. Flanagan while holding the Howard A. Rusk Leadership and Innovation Award he received from NYU. “Spotlight on Choroideremia” logo on a dark blue background to the right with text below reading "NY Researcher's App Transforms Commuting for the Visually Impaired" followed by "Beacon Story, John-Ross Rizzo."

We're thrilled to see the new blind Barbie doll! Thank you, Mattel, Inc. and Barbie, for promoting inclusivity and representation in such a meaningful way. This is a big step forward for kids everywhere. Read more about Barbie's growing line of diverse and inclusive dolls at: https://lnkd.in/gkxvnFCP

Spotlight on Choroideremia 👁️🗨️ Today, we’re highlighting the symptoms to expect with choroideremia. In childhood, night blindness is the most common first symptom. As the disease progresses, there is a loss of peripheral vision or “tunnel vision” and, later, a loss of central vision. Progression of the disease continues throughout the individual’s life, although both the rate and the degree of visual loss can vary, even within the same family. To learn more about choroideremia, visit our website at: https://lnkd.in/emix3BwK Image Descriptions: [Image 1] Dark blue background with the Spotlight on Choroideremia logo at the top with the text, “What To Expect with Choroideremia” below. Underneath is an arrow pointing to the right and the Foundation logo in the bottom left corner. [Image 2] Dark blue background with the Spotlight on Choroideremia logo at the top with a dark view of a house at night, and text below that says, “Night blindness is the most common first symptom.” [Image 3] Dark blue background with the Spotlight on Choroideremia logo at the top with a view of a house blurred on the peripheral, and text below that says, “As the disease progresses, there is loss of peripheral vision.” [Image 4] Dark blue background with the Spotlight on Choroideremia logo at the top with a view of a grocery store aisle blurred in the center, and text below that says, “Later there is a loss of central vision as well.”

Missed our March webinar on Dry AMD? Watch the recording now to hear directly from patients about their experiences and insights. Find the webinar recording and full Voice of the Patient report at: https://bit.ly/3YbG8Pk

Don't miss out on the Fall #VisionWalk Challenge! Register your team by July 31 for the chance to win lunch with Foundation Fighting Blindness CEO, Jason Menzo! Register now at: www.VisionWalk.org Image Description: Eight members of Team Ava posing with their Top Fundraising Team certificate at the 2023 Philadelphia VisionWalk. A blue banner across the top with the VisionWalk logo and text that reads "Join our fall #VisionWalk challenge!"

Have you ever wondered about the challenges that scientists encounter when developing treatments and cures for retinal diseases? This week's episode of Eye on the Cure covers just that. Join Francois Paquet-Durand, PhD, a professor from the University of Tübingen and co-founder of the company Mireca, as he talks to host Ben Shaberman about the long journey of an emerging, Foundation-funded drug for the treatment of certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa. Learn more about streaming at: https://bit.ly/4cdtJxN Image Description: Eye on the Cure Podcast logo at the top with a headshot of Francois Paquet-Durand below and text to the right that says, "EPISODE 69: Dr. Francois Paquet-Durand" with more text below that says, "Listen to the Latest Podcast Episode Out Now."

Join our Fall #VisionWalk Challenge by registering your team by the end of this month. Not only will you be supporting groundbreaking research for retinal disease, but you'll also have the chance to win an exclusive lunch with our CEO, Jason Menzo! ✨ Form your team, spread the word, and let's walk together towards a brighter future. Register now at: www.VisionWalk.org Image Description: Two women walking with their hands excitedly in the air. A blue banner across the top with the VisionWalk logo and text that reads "Join our fall #VisionWalk challenge!"

Congratulations to our SAB Vice Chair Dr. José-Alain Sahel of UPMC who has been awarded the 2024 Wolf Prize in Medicine! Awarded annually, this prestigious award honors exceptional individuals who transcend barriers of religion, gender, race, geography, and political stance, acknowledging scientists and artists worldwide for their outstanding achievements in advancing science and the arts for the betterment of humanity. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eSwdmB27

Chris Smith, a mountain bike enthusiast who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, transformed his bike into a lifeline after losing his driver’s license. Now, 15 years later, he’s tackling the grueling 2,745-mile Tour Divide race while raising funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Watch Chris’ full Beacon Story on our website at: https://lnkd.in/eBRvuz7R This Beacon Story is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Video Description: Various clips of Chris riding his mountain bike discussing his journey with Stargardt and his fundraising race for the Foundation.