VisionWalk Benefits All Ages

This video further motivated me to walk in the VisionWalk this Saturday and find a cure for Stargardt’s disease and other retinal degenerative diseases.  Anyone can be affected by vision loss, even children and young adults.

Two brothers, Eddie and Andrew Babin, are affected by Stargardt’s disease which is an inheritable disease related to macular degeneration.  According to Allaboutvision.com light-sensitive cells in the back of the eye in the retina begin to deteriorate in those with the disease causing vision problems and gradual vision loss.  Fine-focus vision and central vision are affected most while peripheral vision tends to remain in those with the disease.

Children and young adults like the Babin’s are robbed of their vision at young ages with Stargardt’s disease as symptoms tend to show early on in their lives.  As mentioned in the video, activities like driving and playing sports become difficult and impossible with severe vision loss from Stargardt’s so alternatives must be made.  Eddie has his friends drive him around as he can’t drive.

Both Eddie and Andrew have turned to music as an outlet to express their personalities and not let their disease consume their lives.  They will be walking in the Philadelphia VisionWalk this year.  There are other brothers, sisters, and children affected with Stargardt’s disease right here in Indianapolis.

Team Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care is walking in honor of them and in hopes to becoming closer to a cure for Stargardt’s as well as other retinal degenerative diseases on Saturday.

Saturday is the Indianapolis VisionWalk on Butler University’s campus with 9AM registration and 10AM walk.  Questions?  Ask Team Tavel Captain, Katie Wickham: [email protected]