Stephanie is a horseback rider, a cheesecake baker, and a landscape gardener.
She loves creating and trying new things. After losing her sight from glaucoma, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her independence and confidence. With support and training from Vision Forward, Stephanie learned new skills, discovered the importance of asking for help, and found the tools she needed to move forward. Today she’s dreaming even bigger, with ambitions like parachuting from a plane or going whale watching. Stephanie continues to Be Seen for her courage, curiosity, and sense of adventure.
Dee
Dee is a bowler, a gym rat, and a nature lover.
After waking up from surgery suddenly blind, this busy father and self-confessed goofball has had to learn an entirely new way to navigate the world. Dee remembers how beautiful nature looked before, but now experiences it more deeply—seeing the world with his through his other senses, and more importantly, his heart. With the help of his white cane, Dee now moves confidently again and sees it as a powerful tool that helps him Be Seen as he travels through life.
Tony
Tony is an English teacher, a singer, and a trailblazer.
After losing most of his vision, he was determined to continue the career he loved. With support from Vision Forward, Tony navigated new challenges and has helped show what was possible in the classroom. Today, he remains the only teacher with vision loss in Milwaukee Public Schools, paving the way for others who may follow. Tony is proud to Be Seen as a trailblazer for future educators.
Crocker
Crocker is a house chef, a traveler, and a storyteller at heart.
A retired Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter and current Vision Forward board president, he continues to live a full and active life. After his vision began to deteriorate later in life due to retinal dystrophy, Crocker found not just hope, but the tools to live independently and confidently. Through cooking, traveling, and giving back, he embraces each day with purpose. Crocker continues to Be Seen for the full and vibrant life he leads.
Colleen
Colleen is a knitter, a game player, and a devoted reader.
Colleen loves getting lost in a good mystery. When macular degeneration began affecting her in her fifties, she didn’t let it slow her down. Colleen continues to enjoy reading mystery novels, playing cards with friends, and connecting with others through Vision Forward’s knitting class. The hobbies she loves and the friendships she’s built, helps Colleen to Be Seen beyond her vision loss.
Eugene
Eugene is a bike rider, a moon gazer, and a puzzler.
He has a bright smile that lights up every room. At just two years old, he is full of curiosity as he explores the world around him. Eugene has optic nerve hypoplasia, but that doesn’t stop him from riding his bike, solving puzzles, cheering for football, or looking up at the “big moon.” He also loves spending time with his Sesame Street friends. Eugene has told his Elmo figurine—and everyone he meets—that people with vision loss deserve to Be Seen.
Havah
Havah is a pageant titleholder, a singer, and a proud big sister.
Diagnosed with Stargardt macular degeneration, she hasn’t let visual impairment define her. She stays busy by being a scholar, performing on stage, and sharing her talents with the world—more than earning her place in the spotlight. Recently, she wrote The Letter E! based on the only letter she could see on an eye chart. It’s a book designed to educate providers, support families, and inspire young kids. Havah wants others with visual impairments to Be Seen just as fully and brightly as she is
Eleanna
Eleanna is a freestyler, an Olympian, and an inspiration to many.
Living with a visual impairment from birth hasn’t slowed her unstoppable curiosity or drive. Now a busy scholar, she shines as an athlete, cherishes her friends, and loves freestyling. Her spirit sparkles with or without her sequins, spreading positivity wherever she goes. Eleanna encourages others with visual impairments to Be Seen and focus on the good things in life when you start feeling down about your visual impairment.
Edison is a music lover, an explorer, and an adventurer.
He delights in TV characters, zooming down big slides, and experiencing the sounds and sensations of the beach. Diagnosed at just 5 days after birth with bilateral microphthalmia, Edison’s eyes are underdeveloped—but that hasn’t stopped his curiosity or his energy. With Vision Forward in his parent’s corner from the start, Edison continues to do everything his siblings without visual impairments can do. He is learning to Be Seen for his bravery, joy, and adventurous spirit.
Chris
Chris is a guitarist, a gearhead, and a Lion.
Living with diabetic retinopathy from type 1 diabetes hasn’t slowed him down. Through weekly guitar lessons with Vision Forward’s music therapist, Chris gained the confidence to play, explore his independence, and discover just how much he can accomplish despite vision loss. His love for music and his bold spirit recently led him to join the Lions, and he continues to Be Seen for his talents, skill and determination.
