Making a Lasting Impression

It was a crystal clear day and Charlotte Isen was enjoying one of her favorite pastimes-golf. As she chipped up to the 14th green, she was alarmed by what she saw. Her ball was suddenly transformed into two rolling eggs and two flags appeared on the green instead of one.

"Although I immediately knew what was happening to me, I began to panic," said Charlotte. "After all, I had sadly watched my mother struggle with the devastating effects of the disease for years. My worst fears were later confirmed at the doctor's office-I had age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and my vision would continue to deteriorate."

After her diagnosis, Charlotte began a frantic search for a "magic bullet" that would cure her disease. Over several years she traveled to Miami, Philadelphia, LA, Baltimore, Boston, New York and even Sao Paulo, Brazil. Time after time the answer was the same-there was little that could be done to cure the disease but there were some limited treatments that could slow its progression for a time.

While Charlotte did receive several laser treatments, she finally faced the hard truth that there was still so much that had to be done to find a cure for AMD. "That's when my husband Ted and I found The Foundation Fighting Blindness," said Charlotte. "After attending a meeting of FFB researchers, we were so impressed by both the staff and the scientists and their research commitment and progress in finding a cure. It was an illuminating and moving experience. I knew then and there that I wanted to do everything I could to support FFB and its research initiatives."

Although Charlotte can no longer drive, play golf or read without special aids, from that day forward she has worked diligently to raise money and awareness for FFB. She organized friends and family and with their tireless support, put together a number of fundraising events in South Florida, including golf tournaments, a card party and a symposium on macular degeneration, which brought together more than 500 people affected by AMD. Charlotte also speaks on behalf of FFB to numerous civic groups and has organized the first FFB Palm Beach County Chapter.

Philanthropy is not something new to Charlotte Isen. She has spent a lifetime working on behalf of numerous worthy causes helping those who are less fortunate. But now the cause has become deeply personal.

While Charlotte is hopeful about all the research going on, the reason she is so committed to a cure is not just for herself. "I am very concerned about my children," said Charlotte. "Since AMD can be hereditary, I want to make sure that my children won't have to deal with this devastating disease in their lifetime. And I feel confident that if we continue to support FFB, our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy full, independent lives without the fear of going blind."