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]

n this week’s entry, I share the story behind Achilles’ Virginia and our first workout in Loudoun earlier this month. Also, I announce the recent e-book launch for both of my books, and my favorite charities to consider for Giving Tuesday! Finally, I give a recap of our Thanksgiving weekend, and a glimpse into the upcoming part two of filming for the documentary. Stay tuned for an exciting December! Questions or comments? Please email [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I am honored to share The Cutler Family’s experience with LCA5. Listeners will have the opportunity to hear Ari’s LCA5 journey throughout the first 5 years of his life. Jamie, Ari’s mom, highlights the challenges and blessings of LCA5 through Ari’s eyes. Finally, listeners will hear the audio from Jamie and my interview for the Chicago Night for Sight dinner held in November 2025. Thank you so much to Jamie Cutler for her willingness to share her son’s vision story. My heart is full of gratitude for the staff members at the Foundation Fighting Blindness for connecting Jamie and I through the Chicago Night for Sight presentation. I am truly blessed to be a part of such an incredible organization! I hope everyone enjoys Ari’s beautiful story. I continue to feel so thankful for your support of the CTL podcast journal and the blind/low vision community. 🙏🏻 Please reach out with questions or comments at [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share my vulnerabilities associated with being a mom with blindness as my children reach their teenage years. Specifically, I discuss my feelings related to the inability to drive due to my low vision. Finally, I share strategies that I am using to overcome these challenges, and the empowerment that results from putting my faith into action. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the CTL podcast journal! Questions or comments? Email [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share the details from our weekend in Philadelphia at the 2025 Rocky Run. It was an incredible experience shared with my family, and I am so grateful for the memories we made together. Finally, I discuss my feelings following the first round of production for the documentary, and the expectations for the remaining rounds over the next several weeks. Thank you all so much for listening to the podcast journal! 📧 [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share recent positive changes to my night vision and the related clinical trial results which align with these improvements. Additionally, I discuss the airing of the LCA5 segment on GMA, and the emotional roller coaster of that day. Finally, I provide a glimpse into the latest opportunity to share my vision story and clinical trial experience in a unique way. I am so excited to share more throughout this process! Thank you so much for supporting the podcast journal! Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected] Watch the GMA segment here: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/video/gene-therapy-offers-hope-blindness-127055565

n this week’s entry, I share some tools and strategies that I use to accomplish the tasks of every day life. Specifically, I discuss assistive technology, handling impatient people with grace, and the great blessing of finding a community. Additionally, listeners will learn more about my experience with blindness and the general public. As always, thank you all so much for supporting my vision journey! 📧 [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share my experience with public speaking as I embrace new opportunities in my vision loss journey. Specifically, I discuss my transformation from a stage-fright 17 year old to a confident participant in recent interviews. Finally, I share my emotions following a conversation with a parent of a child diagnosed with LCA5. Thank you all so much for supporting the CTL Podcast Journal! Please reach out with questions and comments! 📧 [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share the results from my most recent vision assessments in the LCA5 clinical trial. It has been a little over 2 years since I received treatment in my left eye, and I am thankful to say we are still seeing vision improvements! We had another positive visit with hopeful news for the future of the trial! Also, I share the exciting announcement about a recent opportunity to participate in Good Morning America’s “Medical Miracles” segment which highlights the success of the LCA5 clinical trial. Tune in this Friday, October 17th to learn more about the research findings and my experience as a participant in this study. Thank you all so much for your support! Questions or comments? Please email us a [email protected]

Details: Welcome back, listeners! In this week's entry, I share a brief recap of the past six months. Specifically, I discuss the great power of saying "yes" to new opportunities, my struggles with hope during waiting periods, and the most recent updates for the LCA5 clinical trial. Additionally, I share some exciting news about a recent connection to another family affected by the LCA5 vision disease. Stay tuned for clinical trial updates following my two-year vision assessments next week. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the CTL podcast journal! Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share my trip down memory lane as we read through my childhood vision file. I felt so many emotions as I recognized the amount of vision I lost over the past 20 years, and the vision I regained following my surgery in the LCA5 clinical trial. Also, I share the results from my 18-month vision assessments in Philadelphia, and some new findings from the imaging of my retinas. Thank you all so much for following my vision journey through the CTL podcast journal!

In this week’s entry, we welcome a brand-new season of the CTL podcast journal! I share the results of my genetic testing for the breast cancer gene and my MRI from last month. Also, I discuss my upcoming trip to Philadelphia for my 18-month post-surgery vision assessments. Finally, I explain my approach to self-care as I encounter life’s challenges each day. Questions or comments? 📧 [email protected]

In this week's entry, I share a special announcement to conclude season 4 of the Chasing the Light Podcast journal. I am so excited to provide a glimpse into my new project, and I hope everyone finds encouragement as they listen to this finale entry! As always, thank you all so much for your love and support as I share my vision journey with you. Please reach out with questions, comments, and/or suggestions for future entry topics via email at: [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share my most recent experience as a guest speaker while I answered teenager’s questions about blindness. Listeners will learn how I describe my vision when I am asked, “what can you see?” Finally, I briefly discuss my new opportunity to ensure accessibility and inclusion for the b/vi community. Stay tuned for more exciting news and health updates in the next few weeks! Thank you all so much for following my vision journey! Please consider sending your questions and suggestions future entry topics 📧 [email protected]

Details: In this week's entry, I provide a detailed health and vision update. Specifically, I share the results from my recent ultrasound and the status of my liver enzyme count. Also, I share my experience with an unexpected running injury to my foot, and the severe symptoms that followed. Lastly, I discuss our upcoming trip to Philadelphia for my 18-month vision assessments in the LCA5 clinical trial. Thank you so much for supporting the Chasing the Light Podcast Journal!

In this week’s entry, I share my recent experiences connecting with others who are currently losing their vision. Listeners will learn proactive suggestions for individuals who may lose their vision in the future. Specifically, I recommend resources, trainings, nutrition tips, and services that may benefit those individuals who are affected by blinding diseases. Finally, listeners will hear my experiences and practices while dealing with vision loss throughout my life.

In this week's entry, I share the details from our most recent snowboarding adventure. Listeners will learn about my past experiences with this awesome winter sport and the recent challenges caused by my vision loss throughout the last decade. It was so special to be able to share a piece of my youth with my family, but it was discouraging to recognize the effects of my retinal disease in my adulthood. Regardless, I am grateful for the vision that remains, and I am confident in God's protection over my life no matter what happens. As always, thank you all so much for supporting the Chasing the Light podcast journal! Questions or comments? E-mail us at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share the details from our eventful first week of the new year. Listeners will learn about a health concern that could be potentially related to my vision condition, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. Also, I discuss our latest travel adventure and the challenges I experienced as a result of my blindness. Let’s just say, we are in for a wild 2025 if the rest of this year reflects the first seven days!

In this week’s entry, I am thrilled to be joined by my husband Zach and our two sons, Lucas & Jaxon! This is an unfiltered and unscripted authentic edition in celebration of reaching 50 podcast journal entries! Listeners will enjoy a candid conversation between the Rambo Family which includes some fun rapid-fire questions for the whole crew! We couldn’t think of a better way to welcome 2025! Happy New Year everyone! Thank you all so much for supporting Chasing the Light!

In this week’s entry, it is my pleasure to introduce my new friend, Audrey Joy! Listeners will have the opportunity to hear Audrey’s incredible vision story and learn about our newly discovered bond through blindness as LCA5 sisters! This is a super special entry that I can’t wait to share with everyone! Enjoy a lovely & original tune sung and played by Audrey at the end of our interview. As always, thank you all so much for supporting Chasing the Light! Questions or comments? E-mail us at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share the details from my birthday week and the wonderful blessings I experienced from some very special moments. Specifically, I discuss the beautiful connections made during the National Clinical Trial Webinar, a race to remember, and the awesome news of having my book purchased for sale in a local farm market! Listeners will hear the details about my birthday book launch and the sweet celebration that occurred during my workday. Lastly, I will share my excitement about my first time meeting someone else who has the LCA5 vision disease such as my own. It was surely an unforgettable way to embark on a new year of life! As always, thank you all so much for supporting Chasing the Light and my first book, Joyfully and Faithfully Fit! Joyfully and Faithfully Fit is available on Amazon today! Please see the link below: Joyfully and Faithfully Fit: A 12-Week Daily Devotional for a Healthy Heart and Soul https://a.co/d/gHVqW2h All proceeds generated from the sale of this book will be donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness to fund critical sight-saving research and treatments for various blinding inherited retinal diseases.

In this week's entry, I share the recording from the Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Trial Webinar on December 7, 2024. Specifically, I recorded the Panelist and Q&A session of the event in which I was honored to share my clinical trial experience alongside two other panelists (parents of children in clinical trials). It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the various active clinical trials and I am very excited to share this special memory with our Chasing the Light audience! As always, thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal!

In this week’s entry, I share another significant detail about my book, Joyfully and Faithfully Fit and the positive impact that may result with the purchase of each copy. Also, listeners will learn about the local businesses who are interested in including my book in their market inventory in the months ahead! Finally, I discuss the upcoming National Webinar on Clinical Trials which I will serve as a panelist on December 7th (please find the free register link below if you would like to attend this virtual event). As always, thank you all so much for supporting the podcast journal and all of my adventures! 👁️ 🌈 🙏🏻 Register here for the Foundation Fighting Blindness' National Webinar on Clinical Trials: https://www.fightingblindness.org/events/national-webinar-on-clinical-trials-2022

In this week’s entry, I share hosting hacks to keep in mind while welcoming blind and low vision guests into your home this holiday season! 🎄 Listeners will hear a few of my personal experiences with this topic and suggested solutions to the struggles I encounter when I enter an unfamiliar environment for the first time. Thank you all so much for supporting Chasing the Light! Have a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving! 🦃

In this week’s entry, I am so excited to announce the official release date of my book Joyfully and Faithfully Fit! Also, listeners will have the opportunity to hear me read the introduction from the book and I will share the behind the scenes details of my book writing process over this past year! As I read the introduction, I hope listeners gain a greater understanding of the difficulties associated with reading as an individual with a visual impairment. I am full of gratitude as I near the finish line for this goal in my life. I truly poured my heart and soul into this project, and I pray it encourages and touches the lives of those who choose to read it. 🙏🏻 Stay tuned for another entry with more book details coming soon!

In this week’s entry, listeners will hear a recap of our family’s October fun which includes long runs, basement finishing projects, and two very exciting announcements! We tied up many loose ends last month and I am super thrilled to share some awesome news with you all! Thank you so much for supporting Chasing the Light!

In this week’s entry, I eagerly share the latest results from my one-year post surgery vision assessments in Philadelphia. Throughout tow full days of testing, we had the privilege to learn that I have gained another increase in vision since February (6-month appointments). I am excited to share the details from this most recent visit to the University of Pennsylvania! Thank you all for your continued love, support, encouragement, and prayers throughout my vision journey!

In this week’s entry, listeners will hear a flashback entry which combines my pre-surgery and post-surgery entries from last September. New Chasing the Light listeners will have an opportunity to gain a great understanding of the mental, physical, and emotional aspects associated with my participation in the LCA5 clinical trial and surgery. Additionally, our faithful- from-the-start listeners will have an opportunity to flashback with us and recognize the many positive vision changes and blessings which occurred over this past year. I hope everyone finds encouragement and hope as they listen to this very special podcast journal entry. Thank you all so much for your amazing support and love throughout my vision loss and restoration journey!

In this week’s entry, I share a behind the scenes look into my year of wandering and pondering the next season of my life. I discuss the many emotions I experienced while I dealt with rejection after rejection during my job search this past year. Listeners will learn the details about the many closed doors I encountered and how they lead me to the beautiful opportunities I have today!

In this week’s entry, I share the details from our recent move to Virginia and a recap of our first summer in the new house. Listeners will learn about my experience navigating our new community with my visual impairment. Also, I include a highlight of the reactions I continue to receive as I meet new people and tell them I am legally blind. For those of you who have been waiting on the full scoop from our move, this entry has it all! Lastly, stay tuned for an update following my one year post-op vision assessments in September! 👁️🌈🙏🏻

In this week’s entry, listeners will learn about my most recent vision and life changes as we head into the summer season! We are busier than ever, but super pumped to share some exciting news about our next chapter of life! Finally, the 17th Annual Baltimore VisionWalk is this weekend (June 2nd) at Latrobe Park! Come out and walk with our team Jeepers Creepers or give any dollar amount to support the blind and low vision community! Thank you all so much for your love and generosity! VisionWalk Link: https://give.fightingblindness.org/team/550993