Creating a Lasting Legacy

It was 1971 and Louise and Lanny Boardman were looking for answers after they learned their son, Jim, had Usher syndrome, the leading cause of deaf-blindness in the world. What they found was a group of dedicated volunteers, representing the newly formed RP Foundation (the original name of The Foundation Fighting Blindness), who were also looking for answers when so little was known about retinal degenerative diseases.

Over the years, the Boardmans played an integral part in the growth of The Foundation; serving on its Board of Directors, and generously donating both time and money toward the organization's mission to find treatments and cures. The Boardmans also opened the door to numerous other donors and encouraged them to support FFB.

Recently, Lanny passed away after a long illness. As part of his estate, Lanny granted The Foundation Fighting Blindness one of the most significant bequests in its history. "Lanny and I have always been very hopeful about the work of The Foundation and that one day a treatment could be found for our son and the millions of others affected by these diseases," said Louise. "It is our hope that this gift will help speed the pace of research."

When Lanny and Louise first discovered The Foundation, researchers were struggling to even understand retinal diseases. "Today, thanks to the generosity of people like the Boardmans, there are numerous clinical trials underway and more planned for the near future," said Gordon Gund, FFB's Chairman of the Board. "Louise and Lanny have been there from almost the very beginning and have remained committed to our cause throughout their lives. This remarkable philanthropic gesture will go a long way towards making treatments and cures a reality."

The Foundation's Board has decided to name FFB's new New York Office in honor of Lanny and Louise.