Bay Area Chapter Welcome Letter

Valley has been known for its great enterprise and entrepreneurial spirit, and we strive to be part of thislegacy. I would like to welcome you, and extend an invitation to become a part of a community of dedicated individuals. We all share the common purpose of supporting each other in dealing with all forms of retinal degenerative disease.

I come from a family of five children. When two members were diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in their early 30s, life changed for the entire family. The Foundation Fighting Blindness became an important resource in our search for the answers in dealing with RP. By actively participating with the FFB chapters, my brother, Jim, in the Salt Lake City Chapter, my sister, Susan, in the Denver Chapter, and I here in the Silicon Valley Chapter have found a community of those that truly understand.

Although I don't have RP, my life has been affected by the fact that Jim and Susan have it. We have always been a close family and have tried to offer needed support to each other. I quickly learned that I couldn't offer this support and hope to Jim, Susan, and my parents alone. There were simply too may issues to deal with to make this possible. This is where the Foundation Fighting Blindness came in for me and the other members of my family, especially Jim and Susan. The website has a wealth of information to help us better understand the disease, and the research gives us hope. The symposia present the most current research and also help you discover that you are part of a community. The VisionWalk, Dining in the Dark, and other fund raising events give the opportunity to participate in crucial fund raising that makes the research possible, and having some fun at the same time. Being part of the Foundation Fighting Blindness here in the Silicon Valley has given me hope that through research all forms of degenerative retinal disease will be impacted in a positive way, and that I can have something to do with it.

Your life, like mine and those in my family, will be enriched by being a part of Foundation Fighting Blindness, but only if you take that first step of joining us. It is remarkably simple. Just give us a call at (310) 207-2089.

Don't forget to bookmark the FFB website. It contains a WEALTH of information that will help you immensely! I find that I am constantly coming back to it. I think you will too.

-Bill

Sandra and Henry Wong

Dear Friends of the FFB San Francisco Chapter:

In December of 2004, after going through a series of tests and eye examinations, we learned that our son, Connor, had Stargardt disease. As Connor’s parents, we were stunned. He is the eldest of our two sons.

Searching for explanations and treatments for Stargardt disease, we soon learned that there were no treatments or cures. In 2004, we were able to contact the leading researchers in the field and found that a cure is on the horizon within the next decade. Many of the leading researchers informed us we should contact the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB). We connected with FFB and have joined their mission to find a cure for such eye conditions as Stargardt disease. The Foundation Fighting Blindness has given us hope.

Connor is now 11-years old and strives to do many activities other kids do, such as swimming, playing the piano, and being part of a basketball team. However, Stargardt disease affects Connor’s central vision and some of the simplest tasks that we take for granted are difficult for him. His passion is basketball, and sometimes not seeing the ball makes it difficult to receive a pass. Despite these obstacles, Connor perseveres. Connor’s courage has made it easier for us to accept his eye condition, but as his parents, we wish that we could do more.

We have been given the opportunity to be part of FFB by serving as the co-presidents of the San Francisco Chapter. We are part of an organization where we meet others who are affected, cope and succeed in life. Our chapter’s goal is to reach out and support people who are affected by visual impairments. FFB is not only a non-profit organization which raises money to help fund research and find cures/ treatments for eye diseases, but our local chapter is also here to lend support to you, your family and friends.

We have some exciting events throughout the year; in addition to Chapter meetings where leading retinal researchers share the latest scientific advances, we have fundraising events such as San Francisco Dining in the Dark – a dinner gala where the lights are completely off for about 45 minutes while attendees eat dinner in complete darkness and food is served by visually impaired waiters. It is a once in a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss. We also have our Bay Area VisionWalk at San Francisco’s beautiful Golden Gate Park. Bring – a 5K walk with friends and family. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this fun-filled day!

We hope this gives you some insight as to what the Foundation Fighting Blindness is all about. If you know anyone who would like to join our Chapter, or is looking for support, please contact us at (310) 207-2089. We look forward to meeting you at one of our upcoming meetings or events.

Sincerely,

Henry & Sandra Wong
Co-Presidents