Chasing the Light

In this special entry, listeners will have the opportunity to hear my recent interview as a guest speaker at the VisionWalk Kickoff event. The interview was facilitated by a fiend and fellow VisionWalk Planning Committee member who prompted an authentic conversation about my experience as a participant in the LCA5 clinical trial. This was my first time publicly speaking about my vision story in front of a crowd, so I am thankful to have a recording of it to share. I hope you all enjoy this unique entry! Thank you all so much for supporting the podcast! Please consider making a contribution to the Foundation Fighting Blindness to help further drive the mission to end blindness. https://give.fightingblindness.org/team/550993

In this week’s entry, I am excited to share the positive vision changes over the past month! I took a brief break from recording to turn my attention towards some other tasks, but I am thrilled to be back with you today! Life is busier than ever and I continue to be optimistic about the beautiful and bright future ahead! Thank you all so much for listening and supporting the podcast!

In this week’s entry, I share the results from my most recent visit to Philadelphia. Listeners will have the opportunity to hear details from my two full days of vision assessments and the changes that occurred from pre-treatment to post-treatment at this point in the LCA5 clinical trial. It has been a roller coaster ride of emotions since I began the trial 9 months ago, but I remain grateful for the opportunity to participate and play a small part in the realm of vision science. Thank you all for your continuous love, prayers, and support throughout my journey! It has been a true pleasure to be able to provide a glimpse into this chapter of my story.

In this week’s entry, listeners will have the opportunity to dive into the part of my vision story which I tend to avoid the most. Emotions become more authentic than ever as I share confessions that I previously hid deep within my soul. This was a difficult entry to record, and I urge everyone to listen to this without their little one’s nearby (at least for the first portion). My hope is that listeners find relevance, encouragement, and hope as they hear my journey of avoidance to acceptance and the lessons I learned along the way! Questions or feedback? I’d love to hear from you! 📧 [email protected]

In this week’s special entry, I have the honor and privilege to interview the Footman Family (Tiffany, JJ, & Dominic) and gain their perspective of blindness. Specifically, Tiffany and JJ shine a light on parenting a child who is blind and Dominic shares his personal experience as he navigates the world with severe visual impairments. Listeners, grab a tissue and prepare for a heart-warming, genuine, and authentic story that will surely serve as an inspiration to all! Questions or feedback? We would love to hear from you! 📧 Email us at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, listeners have the opportunity to learn about how blindness affects the tasks of daily life and adaptations which may assist in achieving such tasks. I share the happenings on a typical Tuesday starting with my faith & fitness and ending with how I make dinner for my family. I hope this entry shines a light upon new ideas which may not have been considered by typically sighted individuals. Lastly, I hope listeners who are b/vi find my tips and tricks to be helpful and an encouraging reminder that life can be beautiful while living with blindness.

In this week’s entry, I share 3 new and positive vision changes. I describe the noticeable increase in my central vision and overall acuity. Next, I provide the details of my most recent special project and the mixed emotions associated with the process. I lay it all on the line in this one, so let me know your thoughts! 📧 [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I provide a current vision and life update! As our annual Baltimore VisionWalk quickly approaches, I share the origin story of our team Jeepers Creepers and the reason why we walk in Baltimore. Additionally, I discuss this year’s blindness awareness event in our local community! Finally, I express my deep desire and passion for connecting blind/visually impaired individuals to the available resources and awareness events to engage in the community. Please consider supporting our team Jeepers Creepers for the 2024 Baltimore VisionWalk by joining our team and/or giving to the Foundation Fighting Blindness using the link below! Thank you so much! https://give.fightingblindness.org/team/550993 Questions? Please e-mail us at [email protected]

Happy New Year everyone! In this week’s entry, I share a recap of our Rambo family Christmas & New Year’s festivities! Specifically, I discuss the impact I continue to experience on my daily life as a result of my vision improvements. Additionally, I describe the unforgettable birthday present I experienced on NYE! Lastly, I give a glimpse into my plans and projects for this upcoming year as I share my reason for being consumed by joy! Listeners, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or topic suggestions via e-mail at [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share the details from my birthday celebration over this past week. Also, I provide the results from my most recent clinical trial appointments in Philadelphia. Finally, I include a glimpse into what’s in store for the New Year!

In this week’s entry, I celebrate my 35th birthday by reflecting on the highlights from this past year of life. I share my favorite memories and accomplishments since my last birthday and the amazing growth I experienced in my faith journey during year 35! Finally, I discuss my exciting plans and goals for 2024!

In this week’s entry, I share the most recent noticeable positive vision changes which occurred over this past week! Also, I provide a 12-week post-op status for my treated eye, and a glimpse into the upcoming appointments in Philadelphia for the 90-day assessments. Finally, I describe the details of our most recent family adventure and my new-found level of independence as a result of my improving vision!

In this week’s entry, I briefly describe my current vision changes at 11-weeks pot-op and the upcoming appointments for the LCA5 clinical trial. Next, I share my experience with blindness and the Christmas season! In specific, I provide a glimpse into my time working retail during college, my tips for Christmas shopping, and wrapping gifts with low vision.

In this week’s entry, I share my Thanksgiving Day feast cooking hacks as we prepare to host our annual “Battle of the Birds” holiday! 🦃 Specifically, I provide helpful tips for the b/vi listeners while working in the kitchen. Finally, I share our favorite Thanksgiving dishes/recipes and beloved family traditions! 🥧 Have a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving everyone!

In this week’s entry, I share a brief 9-week post-op recovery and vision update for the LCA5 clinical research trial. Next, I address the common misconceptions regarding blindness, and my personal experience with each. Additionally, I provide stories of awkward societal interactions which I endured during my time as a teacher and throughout my adult life. Finally, I include my personal “dos and don’ts” to consider when interacting with individuals who are b/vi.

In this week's entry, I provide a brief 8-week post-op recovery status and a new vision update (spoiler alert, everything is coming into focus!). Next, I transition the conversation to the topic of my health and wellness journey, and the positive impact it had during the recovery process in the LCA5 clinical research trial. Specifically, I share the story of my struggles with making unhealthy life choices during my teenage years, and my transformation into a healthy lifestyle after I began my walk with God during my college years. Finally, I conclude by connecting every piece of my wellness puzzle to my daily practices of exercising my mind, body, and soul!

In this week’s entry, my husband shares his perspective of my participation in the LCA5 clinical research trial thus far. He provides a glimpse into the surgery and recovery process from his viewpoint while expressing vivid thoughts/feelings from the past several months. Finally, he describes his joys, hopes, and expectations as we proceed with the clinical trial throughout the next decade of our life together.

In this week’s entry, I share the most recent vision update as I reach the 6-week post-op phase of my recovery process. I describe my experience as I looked through our window and I saw my children playing in the cul-de-sac for the first time as mom (as well as many more positive vision improvements over the past week!)Also, I share the physical and mental struggles that I encountered in the final stretch of tapering from the necessary medication used during the surgery/recovery process. Lastly, I answer the recent question, "Are you glad you did it?," while I explain how my strong faith continues to provide a perfect path forward into an exciting future!

In this week’s entry, I share the details from our most recent visit to Philadelphia for the LCA5 clinical trial 30-day post-op appointments. I describe the breath-taking experience of recognizing the details among the obstacles during the VR mobility course, and my feelings when I received confirmation that improvements continue to occur as a result of the treatment. Additionally, I describe the fears and doubts I experienced prior to our trip, and my vulnerabilities revealed throughout the recovery process.

In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, I am participating in the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ #ShareYourVision Campaign! In this bonus entry on my podcast journal “Chasing the Light,” I share my personal vision loss journey with a rare blinding inherited retinal disease, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA5). I describe my personal experience with blindness as I balance motherhood, marriage, and a career. Lastly, I provide a glimpse into my participation in a clinical research trial for LCA5, and the hope resulting from being involved with the Foundation Fighting Blindness for more than a decade! 👁️🌈🙏🏻 Please consider joining the cause by sharing my vision story or through a contribution to the Foundation Fighting Blindness at www.donate.fighting blindness.org/shareyourvision to further drive research for treatments and cures to end blindness! Thank you all so much for your support!

In this week’s entry, I share the details following my most recent visit to Philadelphia for the two week post-op appointments in the LCA5 clinical trial. Additionally, I describe my experience with the prescribed medications throughout this surgery process. Finally, I provide the latest update for my current vision status as of Wednesday 9/27.

In this week’s entry, I share the details from our most recent visit to the University of Pennsylvania for the LCA5 clinical trial one week post-op appointment. Day 7 brought upon an unexpected part of the recovery process which resulted in a turn-around back to Philadelphia. Lastly, I provide a recent vision update as of Wednesday, 9/20.

In this week’s entry, I share my experience during my first eye surgery for the LCA5 clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I provide details of the “big day,” and the current status of my recovery on day 4 post-op (Friday). Lastly, I describe my excitement for the bright future ahead and the timeline of expectations for recognizing positive improvements in my vision! 👁️🌈🙏🏻

In this week’s entry, I share my final thoughts as I prepare for the LCA5 clinical trial surgery on Monday. My emotions are running wild, but my faith is stronger than ever as I continue to reflect upon this incredible journey!

In this week’s entry, I share my experiences with public speaking throughout my undergraduate studies. Specifically, I discuss the details of my first college speech and the utter embarrassment of being completely speechless. Journey through the transformation as I reflect on my battle with low self-esteem to eventually finding a place of self-love. From presentations, teaching observations, and an unforgettable Portfolio Night to professional meetings and guest speaker opportunities-climb aboard the roller coaster ride which I call, “life.” Comments or questions? I’d love to hear from you! [email protected]

In this week’s entry, I share my experience and thoughts following my most recent visit to Philadelphia. With less than 3 weeks until the surgery, I explain the details pertaining to the baseline two assessments and pre-surgical appointments. I continue to be humbled and amazed by the incredible IRD research being conducted by the brilliant individuals in the Retina space. I feel so blessed and priveledged to be a small part of such a beautiful and important mission.

In this week’s entry, I reflect on my experience during my transition into middle school, and the barriers I encountered as a result of my blinding retinal disease. I describe my initial feelings when I began the first day of school as a 6th grade student with a disability. Additionally, I provide a glimpse into the challenges I experienced with each middle school subject during the school day, and the unique strategies I used to overcome the stressors related to my restricted vision. Finally, I detail the first day of school from my perspective as a TVI as I made preparations for my transitioning vision students each year.

In this week’s entry, we flip the script as we welcome our very first and special guest! Join my husband Zach and I for a sweet and sincere conversation about the affects of blindness from a spouse’s perspective. Zach shares his thoughts, emotions, highs, and lows as he journeys by my side through my progressive vision loss caused by my rare IRD. We hope everyone enjoys this authentic and genuine interview! This is one you won’t want to miss!

In this week’s entry, I share an update regarding a confirmed date for Baseline Two and Pre-Surgical appointments in the clinical trial. Additionally, I share my personal fitness journey and the affects of my restricted vision on my long-distance running adventures!

In this week’s entry, we journey into the public light as I describe the challenges of navigating in different environments. I share personal stressors and struggles which pertain to traveling in unfamiliar territories including vacations, athletic events, movie theaters, restraints, and restrooms. Additionally, I provide tips and strategies which I use to overcome some of the challenges of being blind in the public setting.

In this week’s entry, I take a trip down memory lane to the beginning of my journey with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the light of hope which entered my life as a result. I share my experience with processing the words of my doctors as they show images of my deteriorating retinas from year to year. Additionally, I express my thoughts related to gaining second opinions and personal research, and the necessity to become an advocate for yourself or loved ones who may be affected by blindness.

In this week’s entry, I eagerly share updates regarding the clinical treatment trial, including baseline two and surgery dates. Additionally, I provide a glimpse into the vulnerabilities associated with blindness and building communities throughout each season in life. I share my personal experiences with recognizing the lighthouses which shine their lights at the perfect moment in time and the significant impacts which result from each encounter.

In this week’s entry, I share my personal experience as I continue to navigate motherhood with the progression of my vision loss. Further, I provide specific examples of challenges related to motherhood and blindness, including a terrifying event that will forever haunt my life. Learn how my sons embrace life with a mom who is blind, and learn how they continue to adapt every step of the way!

In this week's entry, I provide my personal experience navigating the labor force as an individual with a visual impairment. I share my perspective related to employment barriers, personal work experiences throughout my life, and potential stressors in the workplace.

In this week's entry, I provide a behind-the-scenes look into life as "patient one." I share my emotions following the official enrollment into the clinical treatment study for my vision condition, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. I discuss my first-time experience participating in a VR mobility course, and the extensive fatigue of "chasing the light" during hours of complex vision assessments.

In this week's entry, I share my love story and the resulting discovery of a pathway to acceptance of my blinding vision condition. Meet my husband Zach and learn how he becomes my real-life superhero!

In this week's entry, I provide a glimpse into the past with an overview of my history of living with a rare blinding inherited retinal disease, Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. Content includes a discussion of the challenges I encountered during my K12 education, and the beautiful hope of a brighter future with an upcoming clinical treatment trial on the horizon.