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Bob Gatewood is 80 years young. After a busy corporate career that included relocations to Richmond, Los Angeles, and Baltimore, Bob and his wife Sammy have "settled down" in Charlotte, North Carolina. "Life is good," says Bob. "I have a great wife, and I love my new retirement community at Sharon Towers and all of the wonderful people we have met here. There is so much to do that I sometimes joke that I have to retire from my retirement."
Bob maintains his great attitude despite the  fact that he is deaf in one ear from an inner ear tumor several years ago, and in 2004, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration
(AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over the age of 55. Bob is one of nine million people in the country affected by the disease.
"While I was driving, the lines on the road started to get wavy," says Bob. "I saw my eye doctor right away who diagnosed me with "wet" macular degeneration-the most severe form of the disease. I was concerned, but the problem with my hearing loss really prepared me to deal with this kind of diagnosis. And I was lucky to have a great doctor. You have to learn to accept your problems and then figure out how you're going to deal with them."
Bob's doctor immediately set out on a very aggressive plan to treat the disease. Bob was given laser treatments and started on special antioxidant vitamins designed specifically to slow the progression of AMD. Bob's doctor also enrolled him in clinical trials where he received treatments of Macugen, and Lucentis, drugs which halt the abnormal growth and leakage of blood vessels behind the retina-the cause of the "wet" form of AMD. Both treatments have received FDA approval and are now on the market.
Bob Gatewood is a testament to the marvels of modern medicine and the hard work of dedicated researchers. Five years ago, none of these treatments existed-people were left with little hope. Today Bob is confident that so far these treatments, and the diligence of his doctor, have played an important role in preserving his vision.
"Macular degeneration is a growing problem," says Bob. "We have so many people in my community living with AMD and other sight problems that we formed a group called ‘Out of Sight' to support one another." Bob has also become active with the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "I consider myself very
lucky right now," says Bob. "There are many people whose vision is worse than mine. That's why I support the work of FFB and continue to participate in research studies. I want to do whatever I can to keep future generations from going blind from this terrible disease." |
