#United States #Columbia #Foundation Fighting Blindness #VisionWalk #blinding diseases

Foundation Fighting Blindness Launches National VisionWalk Day

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is excited to announce the inaugural National VisionWalk Day, set for October 31, 2026. This innovative event aims to unite supporters nationwide in raising awareness and funds for treatments and cures for blinding diseases. As a family-friendly virtual event, it offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect and engage through various activities and challenges.

The National VisionWalk Day will mark the conclusion of Blindness Awareness Month and features a special livestream experience available to everyone. The event will be streamed via Tiltify, enabling participants to take part from the comfort of their homes or wherever they choose. Attendees can expect a full day of interactive activities, including fundraising challenges, exciting trivia focused on vision science, inspiring stories from community members, and even the chance to step outside for a local walk, promoting physical activity and community involvement.

Commencing at 10 a.m. ET, the livestream will be hosted by staff from the Foundation, including Maddie Mossman, the host of the "Eye on the Cure" podcast. Participants will hear from Jason Menzo, CEO of the Foundation, who will address the audience and share insights into the Foundation's mission. The event will also showcase contributions from Paralympic gold medalist Anastasia Pagonis and NASCAR driver Dr. Patrick Staropoli, both of whom have personal connections to vision-related challenges.

During the event, additional highlights will include reflections on past VisionWalks, shared through photographs and recorded messages, celebrating the resilience and impact of the community. Supporters are encouraged to form fundraising teams with friends, family, and co-workers, further enhancing the sense of community and collective purpose.

"National VisionWalk Day presents a fantastic opportunity for our community to rally together, regardless of location, to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to inspire even more engagement in our mission," comments Jason Menzo. "This event not only highlights the achievements of the Foundation but also reinforces our commitment to advancing research that provides hope to individuals and families impacted by blinding diseases."

Since its inception in 2006, VisionWalk has successfully raised over $78 million through the unwavering support of more than 255,000 participants, donors, and corporate sponsors. These funds have played a crucial role in propelling research efforts, ensuring the Foundation's work continues in bringing groundbreaking treatments and potential cures from laboratories into the hands of patients who need them the most.

With more than 60 clinical trials currently evaluating possible therapies, the need for funding has never been greater. The National VisionWalk Day also sees significant backing from corporate partners such as Samsung and Amgen, which underscores the collective commitment towards tackling the challenges posed by visual impairments.

To participate in National VisionWalk Day, individuals can register, create or join a fundraising team, or simply donate to support the cause by visiting the Foundation's official website. This is a call to action for those who want to contribute towards a future with fewer unanswered questions about vision loss and a greater number of effective treatments.

About the Foundation Fighting Blindness: Established in 1971, the Foundation is the leading private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research globally. To date, it has raised nearly $1 billion for research targeting various blinding conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and Stargardt disease. More information can be found on their official website.