Chasing the Light

In this week’s entry, I have the privilege and honor to share Dr. Avila’s incredible vision journey. She is an accomplished educator, graduate program coordinator, and legend in the field of blindness and visual impairments. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn about the challenges and successes which Dr. Avila encountered throughout her lifetime along with her current advocacy work in the field. Additionally, she shares an inspirational message to parents/caregivers and listeners who are living with blindness and low vision. It is my pleasure to share this amazing lady’s story, so I hope you all enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! 📧 [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share my experience with choosing a career path as an individual living with blindness. Listeners will learn about the challenges I encountered as I considered my options for college and future employment. Finally, I discuss my experience with transportation barriers while contemplating possible careers. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! Email: [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share recent struggles and successes related to snowboarding, running, and the launch of our new Achilles Shenandoah Valley chapter in our local community. Listeners will have a glimpse into the highs and lows of blindness from my viewpoint. Despite it all, I remain hopeful and grateful for the blessed future ahead. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the Podcast Journal! I am incredibly appreciative of you all! Email: [email protected]

In this week's entry, it is my privilege and honor to share the full documentary interview between my grandparents and I. This special moment will be nestled in my heart for a lifetime. I am grateful for this special gift from the production team. I hope listeners enjoy this exclusive behind the scenes glimpse into our unique relationship. As always, thank you so much for supporting the podcast journal! 📧 [email protected]

Details: In this week's entry, I share my emotional reaction to the release of the documentary of my vision journey. Also, I express my deepest gratitude to Opus Genetics and the production crew for this special project. I will cherish these treasured memories for a lifetime. As always, thank you so much for your support! Documentary: https://youtu.be/75F9plL24a0 [email protected]

In this week's entry, I addressed a recent question from a parent of a child with LCA. The question "What can/will my child see?" I pondered the question for a while before I directly responded to the parent; however, I thought it would be a great topic of discussion for the CTL podcast. Listeners will take part in a visualization exercise which includes a child with progressive vision loss as she heads off to her first day of school. In this exercise, I used situations from my own life and experiences from my time as a TVI in the elementary school environment. I hope this entry shines a light on the daily school-day stressors encountered by children with visual impairments. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! Email : [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share the extraordinary highlights from this past week. My emotions were all over the place as I overcame fears, enjoyed the fruits of labor, and I began two new adventures! I hope you all enjoy this entry! Thank you so much for your support! Documentary Trailer: https://youtu.be/Cn51zwIIX2c?si=Pz0EU8W8cl30Vf0b 📧 [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share the recording from my recent speaking engagement for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. In December, I accepted an invitation to attend the Foundation's annual All Staff Retreat to share my experience as a participant in the LCA5 clinical trial. Listeners will hear the full hour session (my speech and questions from the staff). It was an incredible day, and I am so thankful for the surprise recording from my husband Zach! I hope you all enjoy this special entry! 📧 [email protected]

In this week's entry, I am joined by my 14-year-old son Lucas as we share the details from our latest race together. He provides his perspective as a guide with a blind runner, and the challenges we experience during highly congested areas on a racecourse. I hope listeners enjoy this unique and special conversation. Thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! 📧 [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share answers to recent listener questions while providing a refresher of my initial goals for the podcast journal. I am thrilled and grateful to have so many new listeners who are reaching out to share their vision stories. It is truly a blessing to connect with everyone through this platform. As always, thank you all so much for your encouragement and support! Questions or comments? Please reach out to [email protected]

In this week's entry, I will discuss my recent experience as an Achilles athlete within our local community. Specifically, I share my hopes for our growing involvement within the organization in 2026. Additionally, I will discuss my recent "reset," and the tools I am utilizing to achieve my new goals in this new year. Thank you all so much for your support! Questions or comments? Please email us at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share about our Christmas snowboarding trip to the Pocono Mountains. Specifically, I discuss the struggles and successes I experience as a blind snowboarder. Listeners will learn about my 30 year snowboarding journey, including the time period I reluctantly stepped away from the sport due to the progression of my vision loss. I pray this is a story of hope for all who listen! Thank you all so much for your support! Have a blessed and Happy New Year! Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected]

Details: In this week’s entry, I discuss my recent experience as a guest on the Eye on the Cure Podcast. I share about my long-time love for the podcast, and the story behind the episode interview. Finally, I share some of my Christmas favorites, and some exciting opportunities ahead in the new year! I hope everyone has a blessed and Merry Christmas! Thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal! Eye on the Cure Episode Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-fighting-blindness/id1566653358?i=1000741994700 Questions or comments? Please email [email protected]

Details: In this week's entry, I share a recap of the Christmas 5K, documentary filming (parts 2 & 3), our recent trip to Florida, and my 37th birthday at the beach! I feel so blessed because we made so many special memories in such a short period of time. My heart is full of gratitude and joy as we approach the end of another year! Thank you all so much for supporting the CTL Podcast Journal! Questions or comments? Please email us at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share an impromptu interview with the Director of the documentary as we were filming my “home life” over the weekend. It was a unique and special experience that I am so excited to share with everyone! Also, we took a trip down memory lane to my hometown of Clear Spring for a special conversation with my grandparents. It has been a true honor to have the opportunity to share my vision story throughout this documentary project. I am eternally grateful for Opus Genetics and their dedication to caring for patients with inherited retinal diseases. 🙏🏻 Questions or comments? Please email us at CTLpodcast [email protected]