Hope

Living with an incurable, degenerative disease which leads to permanent disablement and blindness is one of the hardest challenges a person can face. Doubled with the fact that the process usually begins in early adulthood when a person has discovered who they are and figured out their life goals and aspirations can make the situation even more confronting and distressing.

Hope can be a strong and powerful feeling that helps anyone going through this situation, and other situations, get through the day. But is there such thing as 'unhealthy hope'?

My main concern is when hope for a cure dominates everyday thinking and finding a cure is the only way someone can accept their diagnosis or find the will to continue on. 

The one thing for those who have Stargardt's, and any other inherited retinal disease, is that we may be losing our sight, becoming 'disabled' and 'legally blind' but we still have amazing, fulfilling, satisfying and successful lives. Our lives may be different from what we expected them to be, but I guarantee we will look back when we are older and think we wouldn't change a thing.

In saying that it won't be a walk in the park, but in life what ever is? I know myself struggling through another uni degree determined to complete my third degree as a 'legally blind' person and then ultimately completing my PhD will be one of the most satisfying moments in my life. People always ask me how I manage, and to be honest, I don't even know! It is literally pain and tears to get me to where I am and I still have a long way to go. 

I really want everyone to remember that a cure isn't the only answer for us, while it would be fantastic, our lives are still worthwhile and filled with incredible opportunities. 

Always stay positive and remember, no matter what the goal is, you can always get there, you may just have to take a different path to achieve it.