On behalf of all of us at the Long Island Chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, I would like to thank you for taking the time to learn about us and all the promising research funded by the Foundation.
Our collective efforts are making a difference. Foundation-funded research continues to make significant strides toward finding cures for the many retinal diseases that disrupt the lives and families of so many. Examples of this important research include the sight restoration in some children with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA); the recent FDA approval of the first retinal prosthesis for adults with retinitis pigmentosa; and other projects that are fast approaching human clinical trials
VisionWalk, our annual signature fund-raising event each October, represents the largest gathering of blind and visually impaired on Long Island. However, our efforts and influence do not end there. At the Long Island Chapter, we pride ourselves on community participation and support. We are thankful for all the support we receive from our members, their families and friends, as well as the many networking support groups, outreach groups and adaptive sports programs for the blind and visually impaired in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Together, we learn to understand and overcome the many challenges that affect all of us who live with degenerative retinal diseases.
Throughout the year, we continue to educate and share our knowledge and common experiences with one another. This empowers all of us with the awareness that we are not alone, and we can all meet and conquer the challenges of blindness.
As someone who was diagnosed more than 35 years ago with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 15, I am often humbled and inspired by those within our community who enrich our lives with their selflessness, helping others while facing their own challenges. I am proud to be a part of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, as well as the president of the Long Island Chapter. Join us, support us, promote us or just follow us and you, too, will forever be affected by the power of our collective determination and spirit. Thank you.
Warm Regards,
Ed Plumacher
President
Long Island Chapter, Foundation Fighting Blindness
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