By Jenny Cupp

Christopher Cupp, a 13-year-old from Monroe, Ohio had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the 7th Annual Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky VisionWalk. Christopher served as Co-Youth Chair for the 5K walk held at Theodore Berry Friendship Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 6. More than 500 participants raised nearly $75,000 for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Foundation Fighting Blindness funds vision research for people affected with retinal degenerative diseases, such as Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Christopher inherited an X-linked vision disorder called Bornholm Eye Disease. His symptoms include reduced visual acuity, color distortion, and sensitivity to light. He began wearing glasses at the age of 3 when his parents noticed he was squinting and unable to see rabbits in the backyard or airplanes in the sky. Christopher's color vision is truly unique, sometimes identifying colors correctly and other times not seeing them at all. He wears hats and sunglasses to help with the light sensitivity. Christopher also has thin retinas, increasing the risk of retinal tearing or detachment which may lead to further vision loss. He has participated in research studies at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Learning about VisionWalk and Foundation Fighting Blindness inspired Christopher's family and friends to form a team called Christopher's Cadets. They have hosted two bowling events at Eastern Lanes in Middletown. Bowling is Christopher's favorite activity. The team has also held a Dining To Donate fundraiser at Applebee's in Middletown and has received personal donations. Christopher and his team are very thankful for the support they have received while participating in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky VisionWalk, raising nearly $2,500 in two years.

Paula Toti from Local 12 News emceed the family-friendly event. Special visitors included Who Dey from the Cincinnati Bengals, Victor E. Viking from Northern Kentucky University, and the Blue Blob from Xavier University. Refreshments, face-painting, a bounce house, and music made this a fun and uplifting morning. 

For information about VisionWalk or Foundation Fighting Blindness, please visit www.fightblindness.org.