Glaucoma Research Foundation: Advancing Vision & Hope
Personal Stories
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Growing Up with Aphakic Glaucoma
Though I wasn’t born with glaucoma, my journey with visual impairment and chronic eye issues began at birth.
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Tadd Schwab: A Caregiver’s Commitment to a Cure
“I would guarantee there are people in your life who would join you in supporting researchers working hard to discover new treatments for glaucoma, and even a cure.” — Tadd Schwab
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Looking for the Good in Glaucoma
Five things I wish I’d known about the silent thief of sight. — Lisa Rouh’s personal glaucoma story
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Million Dollar Eyes: Bianca Beach’s Glaucoma Story
“I’ve shifted perspective on my eye health. I took something that used to be a negative and turned it in to a positive.”
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People Making a Difference: Robert Stamper, MD
“There is no question: We are moving closer to the goal line — a cure for glaucoma.” – Bob Stamper, MD
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Personal Story: Amanda Eddy
Amanda Eddy doesn’t know what it’s like to have normal vision. She was born with glaucoma.
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Pat Caulfield’s Personal Story
Pat Caulfield was an award-winning designer in the Baltimore area. Then, when glaucoma robbed her of vision, she found a new passion in painting.
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My Glaucoma Story: David Epstein
David Epstein was diagnosed with glaucoma in his mid-twenties. “Glaucoma is a day-to-day tough battle,” he says.
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My Glaucoma Story: Finding the Path from Patient to Vision Advocate
Trinh Green has faced many vision challenges in her life. But that hasn’t discouraged her. Instead, it’s inspired Trinh to become a vision advocate.
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My Glaucoma Story: Rebecca Vilendrer
Rebecca was diagnosed with glaucoma in her early thirties. “I had no idea that I should even be going in to have my eyes checked for glaucoma,” she says.
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Personal Story: Hannah Eckstein
Hannah Eckstein was diagnosed with glaucoma just a few months after she was born. Now she is 17 and starting college.
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Personal Story: Igor Leal
Igor Leal is a talented singer-songwriter living with glaucoma.
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Niki’s Story: Putting a Positive Spin on her Glaucoma
“Whatever curves life throws at us, I believe one must always make the best out of a situation; there is always a positive side.”
– Niki De Lara
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Living with Glaucoma: Tonian McDonald’s Personal Story
Tonian strives to be a face for change and spread awareness of glaucoma in her country of Jamaica, and around the world.
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Jasmyn Polite: My Battle with Glaucoma
“I want to teach visually impaired preschoolers everything they will need to prepare them for elementary school. I hope that I can be an inspiration to them.” — Jasmyn Polite
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Growing Up With Glaucoma: Michelle Cochrane Talks with Glaucoma Research Foundation About Her Diagnosis, Treatment, and Lifestyle
“I am about to share with you something very personal, something that I didn’t want people to know until a few years ago.”
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Fighting Back Against Glaucoma: Donor and Glaucoma Patient Jerrold Keilson Discusses Volunteering and Glaucoma Research Foundation
“Everyone is confronted with obstacles in their life, and how you respond to those obstacles will reflect how you overcome them.” — Jerrold Keilson
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Danielle Fiarito: A Story of Hope and Inspiration
When Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) first learned of Danielle Fiarito, she was a teenager coping bravely with her disease.
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Chris Wilmoth and the Power of Family in Fighting Glaucoma
“Glaucoma Research Foundation is the best out there. They are ahead of the curve—they’re looking forward for the cure.” — Cathy Wilmoth
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Personal Story: Tracy Hammond
“When it comes to research, I give to Glaucoma Research Foundation.” — Tracy Hammond
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Personal Story: Jenny Eisenberger
At age 32, Jenny learned that she had glaucoma from a routine eye exam.
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Art Takahara Personal Story
“My message to those who have family members or friends who have learned that they have glaucoma is for them to try to understand for themselves what the disease is all about.”
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Personal Story: Christopher Wilmoth
Christopher has been living with glaucoma for 10 years. And he’s only 11.
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Who knew I had Glaucoma? I didn’t.
Neither do 1.5 million other Americans. Approximately half of the glaucoma population in the U.S. goes undiagnosed.
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Roger McGuinn: Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
In the midst of a busy schedule that goes with a successful music career, Roger McGuinn has always made time for regular eye exams.