Westchester-Fairfield Chapter Featured Volunteer

Ryan Basso: The Heart of Team Ry’s Guys

Ryan Basso , a lively 10 year old boy, with great aspirations to become an eye doctor or scientist so he can help people with retinal diseases got involved with Foundation Fighting Blindness in 2011. He and his family participated in the Fourth Annual Westchester-Fairfield VisionWalk for the first time and was the top team raising more than $43,000. The top team has a cause close to their heart as Ryan is affected with Stargardt’s disease and is legally blind. He is currently learning how to read Braille, and won a Tri State Service Award for his dedication to helping the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

His mother, Stephanie Basso, serves on the chapter leadership committee, with his aunt, Lisa Bisceglia. Lisa, quoted from her personal VisionWalk page, says Ryan “is smart, kind, fun, brave and one of the greatest kids you would ever meet.” Ryan, Stephanie, Lisa and all the members of their family have made great strides in helping the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Ryan was awarded Zylie’s Awesome Kids (ZAK) 2011 Community Service Award in December 2011. He was featured as one of five finalists on Zylie the Bear’s website, with his personal story and many accomplishments. He received many votes over a 10 day period. When Ryan won the ZAK Award, he received special recognition and a $1,000 scholarship.

For full articles please click the links below:

• Westchester.com: Westchester Boy Wins Tri State Service Award
• The Daily Port Chester: Port Chester Resident Awa4rd for Fight Against Blindness