Foundation Fighting Blindness

04/25/2026

National DNA Day is a powerful reminder that for many in our community, vision loss is written into their genetic code. But so is the hope that research can change what comes next.

For Lance, living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has always been something he understood was inherited, but becoming a father has brought a new perspective. With a 50% chance of passing on this RP, it’s no longer just about his own experience—it’s about what the future could hold for his son and the generations that follow.

That’s why advancing research is so critical. It’s how we move treatments and cures forward and create more possibilities for families like Lance’s.

Video Description: Lance sits at a table, holding a microphone, and speaks directly to the camera.

04/24/2026

As Volunteer Appreciation Week comes to a close, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make VisionWalk possible.

Across the country, dedicated supporters bring their communities together in the fight against blinding diseases — leading teams, organizing local events, and rallying friends and family around the mission. Their passion helps drive the research that will lead to treatments and cures.

This weekend, that impact continues as our communities gather for VisionWalks in Jacksonville, FL, and Dallas, TX.

To every volunteer who helps make VisionWalk happen, thank you for turning hope into action.

Want to be part of the movement? There’s still time to register, donate, or support a team at www.VisionWalk.org

Image Description: Seven young, female volunteers standing under a blue tent at the t-shirt station at a VisionWalk.

04/23/2026

Want to make an impact in the fight against blinding diseases?

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who power our mission, and inviting others to join them!

Volunteers play a critical role in advancing our mission — leading events like VisionWalk, raising awareness, advocating for research, and supporting families affected by blinding diseases.

When you volunteer, you become part of a community working together to help drive the research that will lead to treatments and cures.

Ready to join us? Learn more about volunteer opportunities at www.FightingBlindness.org/volunteer

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo in the top left corner. Text to the right that reads, "Volunteer Appreciation Week." Text below reads, "Make an impact in the fight against blinding diseases!" A female volunteer smiling with arms stretched out wide.

04/22/2026

Volunteers are at the heart of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Across the country, dedicated supporters are stepping up as leaders in their communities to help advance our mission. Chapter leaders, like Madison, play an important role in building connection and momentum by:

💙 Bringing together families and supporters affected by blinding diseases
💚 Hosting local gatherings and educational events
💙 Raising awareness in their communities
💚 Supporting fundraising efforts that help move research toward treatments and cures

Through chapter leadership, volunteers help create strong local communities while advancing our shared mission.

Want to make an impact in your community? Learn more about volunteering with the Foundation Fighting Blindness at www.FightingBlindness.org/volunteer

Video Description: Madison talks to the camera while appylying her makeup.

04/21/2026

Access to tools that make everyday tasks more accessible can make all the difference.

For this week’s Tech Tip Tuesday, the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Hadley highlight how voice typing in Google Docs can support people who are blind or have low vision—making it easier to write, communicate, and stay independent.

Using the Google Chrome browser, this built-in feature allows you to speak your thoughts and have them appear on the page—reducing the need to rely on visual input.

Video Description: Begins with the text “Tech Tip Tuesday” at the top. A large computer screen shows a big red microphone icon in the center, followed by “Google Docs: Voice Typing”. The top of a Google Doc appears as step-by-step instructions are narrated. Ends with the logos again and “Learn more at: HadleyHelps.org” and the finger pointing icon below.

04/20/2026

It takes a community to drive progress.

This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the passionate individuals who give their time, energy, and leadership to the Foundation Fighting Blindness. From VisionWalk leaders and event volunteers to advocates and community organizers, our volunteers help power the work that moves research forward.

Because of you, our community is stronger, and those with blinding diseases know they are not alone.

To every volunteer who shows up, speaks out, and supports our mission — thank you.

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about volunteering with the Foundation Fighting Blindness at www.FightingBlindness.org/volunteer

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo in the top left corner. Text to the right that reads, "Volunteer Appreciation Week." Text below reads, "Celebrating the passionate individuals who give their time, energy, and leadership to the Foundation Fighting Blindness." Three volunteers stand, talking to each other.

04/16/2026

Spotlight on Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) 👁️‍🗨️

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited retinal diseases caused by mutations in more than 80 genes. That’s why genetic testing is so important — it helps people understand the specific cause of their RP and may help connect them to research studies and emerging treatment opportunities.

Through the Foundation Fighting Blindness My Retina Tracker® Program, individuals with inherited retinal diseases may be eligible for no-cost genetic testing and counseling.

Learn more at: www.FightingBlindness.org/open-access-genetic-testing-program

Video Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Spotlight on RP logos top-left. Text below that reads, "Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited retinal diseases caused by mutations in more than 80 genes." A spiraling blue and purple DNA strand at the bottom.

04/15/2026

Less than two months until United in Vision 2026!

On June 12–13, our global community will come together for two days dedicated to science, collaboration, and progress as the Foundation Fighting Blindness Visions Conference and Retina International World Congress unite in one powerful event.

Join patients, families, researchers, clinicians, and advocates from around the world as we focus on advancing research toward treatments and cures for blinding diseases.

This is where our community connects — and where progress moves forward.

Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/4lxn3PL

Video Description: Dark blue background with United in Vision 2026 logo top center. Text below reads "Friday and Saturday, June 12 to 13. Fort Worth, Texas." Video montage of clips from past participants.

04/14/2026

Spotlight on Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) 👁️‍🗨️

Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal disease often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. It typically starts by affecting the retina’s rod photoreceptors — the cells that help us see at night and in our peripheral vision. As RP progresses, people may experience symptoms like night blindness and tunnel vision.

Through the support of our community, researchers are advancing promising work to bring treatments and cures for RP forward.
Learn more about RP and the progress being made: www.FightingBlindness.org/diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Spotlight on Retinitis Pigmentosa logos top-left. Text below that reads, "RP initially affects rod photoreceptors, leading to night blindness and tunnel vision." An illustration of two eyes below, the left showing an unaffected retina, the right showing a retina with affected rods.

What is Retinitis Pigmentosa? Learn about the signs and symptoms of the retinal condition retinitis pigmentosa, as well as how to live with the disease. (juvenile eye disease)

04/13/2026

This week, we’re shining a Spotlight on Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)—starting with Madison Maidenberg. 👁️‍🗨️

When Madison appeared on Love Is Blind, she challenged more than dating norms—she challenged assumptions about blindness.

Living with RP, she’s showing that vision loss is a spectrum, and that independence, ambition, and identity don’t disappear with a diagnosis.
Now, as a leader in the Foundation Fighting Blindness community, she’s helping drive the research that’s advancing treatments and cures for blinding diseases, while reminding others they’re not alone.

Watch how she’s turning visibility into impact, and read her Beacon Story at: www.FightingBlindness.org/stories/seen-at-last-1321

Video Description: Madison sits in a chair in front of a solid back drop and speaks directly to the camera. Clips and photos from Madison's life and time on Love is Blind appear throughout.

04/09/2026

Interested in sharing your experience and perspectives as an individual living with geographic atrophy (GA) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Individuals living with GA, an advanced form of AMD, are invited to share their experiences as part of a Patient Advisory Council supported by a pharmaceutical company. The council will bring together a group of adults over the age of 50 and diagnosed with GA to participate in virtual discussions about their patient journey and provide feedback on topics based on their lived experiences with GA.

Participation involves a limited number of virtual sessions via Zoom and online-based surveys, with no travel required.

If you are interested, please complete a brief pre-screening survey by April 30 by visiting https://bit.ly/4tsVpHV.

Select respondents will be contacted by Julia Rodger (jrodger@vozadvisors.com) to schedule a brief introductory call. Following the introductory call, selected individuals will be invited to join the Council and compensated for their time.

If you have AMD but not GA, you are still welcome to take the screener survey; we will keep your information on file and reach out about other opportunities that could be a good fit for you in the future.

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness logo at the top, with text below in green that says "Partner News." Below that is the text "Share your experience with geographic atrophy (GA) or AMD as a potential Patient Council advisor."

Interested in sharing your experience and perspectives as an individual living with Geographic Atrophy (GA) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

04/08/2026

Join us in New York on May 14 for Night for Sight, an unforgettable evening dedicated to accelerating research toward treatments and cures for blinding diseases. We’re honored to welcome Brad and Bryan of Two Blind Brothers to Guastavino's for a powerful night of connection and purpose.

Together, we’ll celebrate the strength of our community and raise critical funds to move research forward.

We hope to see you there! https://bit.ly/4c1dBlW

Video Description: Bryan and Brad stand in a green room and speak directly to the camera, selfie-style.