Brittni and Jack: A Mother’s Advocacy Inspiring Awareness

After years of infertility and heartbreak, their miracle baby had finally arrived—healthy, loved, and deeply cherished.

But when Jack was just seven months old, Brittni noticed something that only a parent’s intuition might catch. One of Jack’s eyes appeared slightly larger than the other. Trusting her instincts, she sought medical advice. What she initially hoped was nothing soon led to a life-changing diagnosis: congenital glaucoma.

Within days, Jack was undergoing surgery to help save his sight.

For Brittni and Mike, the experience reinforced how important it is for parents to trust their instincts and advocate for their children’s health. Today, Jack is a joyful and resilient 1-year-old who doesn’t let glaucoma slow him down. But the diagnosis has also inspired Brittni to become an advocate—not only for Jack, but for other families who may face a similar journey.

“I might not have the millions it takes to fund research to help Jack,” Brittni shared, “but I can raise awareness. If sharing our story can change one life, it’s worth it.”

By speaking openly about their experience, Brittni hopes to help other parents recognize early warning signs and understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Her willingness to share Jack’s story is helping bring greater awareness to childhood glaucoma—an often-overlooked condition that can have lifelong consequences if not detected early.

Families like the Rusnaks remind us how powerful individual voices can be. Through their advocacy, they are not only standing up for their son’s future but also helping to educate and empower others in the glaucoma community.

At Glaucoma Research Foundation, stories like Jack’s inspire our work every day—to advance research, improve early detection, and bring hope to families affected by glaucoma.

Posted on April 6, 2026.