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While getting a routine eye exam in April 2009, Bill Bales received news that changed his life. He was diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in his right eye, which he learned was a retinal degenerative disease depriving him of his central vision in that eye. While his left eye still has vision, it does have some development of AMD that could worsen over time. Taken completely by surprise, Bill and his wife Sarah hurried to find retinal specialists that could cure his disease. They were devastated to find that there are virtually no treatments or cures for Bill’s condition. “I knew I had to have a support group immediately,” says Sarah. “And that’s how I found the Foundation Fighting Blindness.” Bill and Sarah became involved with the FFB Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter in April 2009, shortly after Bill’s diagnosis. They went to work right away, forming a team for the chapter’s 2009 VisionWalk. Sarah crafted a compelling letter about Bill’s disease and how the money raised through VisionWalk supports critical research to find treatments and cures for AMD and other retinal degenerative diseases. They sent the letter out to family, friends, and colleagues and were overwhelmed by the generous support they received.“I didn’t even realize the word ‘Foundation’ meant raising money, but I’m so glad that we ended up here because the research is what we need,” says Sarah. Sarah and Bill’s Walk team, BFD (Bill Fighting Degeneration) raised almost $8,000 for the 2009 Dallas/Ft. Worth VisionWalk. They were surprised to find that many people they already knew within their community were also affected by retinal degenerative diseases. “Just being able to talk to other people that have vision problems and how we’re able to help each other is amazing,” says Bill. After the walk, Sarah and Bill committed much more of their time to helping raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. They participated in a Dallas Vision Seminar and worked alongside the dinner committee for the Dallas Dining in the Dark. They have continued their involvement in the VisionWalk over the years, raising more than $10,000 in 2010 and more than $5,000 in 2011. “FFB makes me feel good about what I’m doing,” says Sarah. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t found them.”
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