#070- Finding the Brightside in the Darkness: Eavan O’Neill on Running with Vision Loss

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan sits down with Eavan O'Neill, a dedicated marathoner and passionate advocate for the blind and visually impaired community. Eavan shares her journey of being diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, a condition that causes progressive vision loss, and how it has shaped her life. She discusses the c6dxolhallenges of navigating college, her career aspirations in the healthcare field, and the importance of community support through her initiative, Brightside. Eavan also highlights her passion for running, including her experiences with the Speed Project and the Boston Marathon, and reflects on personal growth and the duality of desiring a cure while embracing her identity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities, as well as the power of resilience and community.

To learn more about Eavan and Brightside, check out the links below,

Eavan’s Instagram: @eavanoneilll

Eavan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eavan-o-neill-79996a135/

Brightsides Instagram: @bright_side.group

Keywords: Stargardt's disease, vision loss, running, advocacy, community support, adaptive sports, personal growth, marathon, Brightside, disability inclusion

Takeaways

• Personal challenges, such as living with a progressive condition, can shape one's life and perspective, requiring adaptation and resilience.

• Overcoming obstacles, whether in education or career, often involves finding ways to balance personal struggles with professional and academic goals.
• Having a strong support system is crucial in facing life's difficulties, and initiatives that foster community support can make a significant difference.
• Pursuing personal passions, like sports or hobbies, can provide motivation and serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and perseverance.
• The journey of accepting one's identity while still striving for improvement or change reflects the complexity of personal growth.
• Resilience is key to overcoming life's challenges, and it's important to foster understanding and support for those facing disabilities or other hardships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eavan O'Neill and Stargardt's Disease

04:51 Coping with Diagnosis During the Pandemic

10:05 Career Aspirations and Shifts Post-Diagnosis

18:54 Adapting Running Techniques for Vision Loss

28:24 Experiencing the Boston Marathon

32:30 Building Community Through Brightside

39:33 Challenging Assumptions About Visual Impairment

46:15 Personal Growth Through Adversity