Because no 36 year-old mother should need a driver, that’s why I’m involved in the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Visionwalk. I have known about my deteriorating peripheral vision for a while, and even took steps to prepare for it to get worse.
We moved to Ashland, so that down the road in my 50s or some many years from now, I’d be able to walk to the post office, the library, the wine shop and so forth. We made the move when my son was still in diapers. Six months after moving, I had had two accidents about two months apart. Fortunately no one had been hurt. But when I drove home from that last accident, I thought to myself that was it.
I didn’t need another warning sign from God, and I couldn’t bear the thought of hurting or killing someone in the next accident, so it was time to turn in my keys. And even when I heard Dr. Ladd from Virginia Eye Institute tell me that I had to stop driving, I couldn’t believe it. I felt worry, confusion and overwhelming fear. Would this rapid change mean things were getting worse beyond my control? Would I lose my sight? Two beautiful children, a wonderful husband, more extended family and so many friends that I need to see, all flashed in my mind.
Sunsets and first bike rides, dance recitals, soccer goals and graduations, weddings, even grandkids and more to savor and take in. I worried that the frequent bumping into things, or running into someone with my shopping cart because I couldn’t see them would only increase to be daily occurrences. Try explaining to an annoyed shopper that you almost ran them over because you couldn’t see them, and see how that goes?
Well I’m happy to report that while I have many bruises and bumps to prove that my vision isn’t what it used to be. I can still see and to the average person, I might even fool them into thinking I can see well (until I wipe out because of a matchbox car run or a child’s wagon). I’ve learned that I can take my children to the movie, as long as my oldest or even the youngest holds my hand to lead me through the stairs and aisle (I think after the 3rd time, I finally managed to do it without wanting to cry)
My kids are old enough now that they understand that I can’t see in the dark, and so if we’re playing at a friend’s house or on the beach for s’mores at a certain point we have to leave or else I’m going to need help getting back home. Clearly, there is so much at stake, my vision is priceless and I have a choice, either sit idly by moping about it, or get out there and raise awareness and funds so that cures can come soon.
I believe a cure to the vision loss from so many retinal degenerative diseases is out there, we just have to find it, and it’s going to happen because of the work from groups like FFB. My work and the work of FFB makes my future look so bright. –Richmond mom Megan Mudd
VisionWalk is the national signature fundraising event of the Foundation for Fighting Blindness.
Since its inception in the Spring of 2006, the program has raised over $17 million to fund sight-saving research. As promising treatments move into critical human studies, the need for research funding is greater than ever before. This is it’s 4th year in Richmond, and to date FFB has raised just under $14,000 with a goal of $55,000.
| Date: | Saturday, October 15, 2011 |
| Location: | Innsbrook – North Shore Commons 4951 Lake Brook Drive Glen Allen, VA 23060 |
| Registration: Walk Start: |
9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. |
Megan is the Ashland Community Leader for VisionWalk, and a mom with two young kids who has the degenerative retina disease Ushers. Come out and walk for Megan and others like her so that they can literally see a brighter future!
Thanks to the Virginia Eye Institute for being a site sponsor of Richmondmom.com and for sharing Megan’s story with us.
