Published on Jul 30, 2024 Innovative Driven is proud to sponsor the Microsoft Scramble for Sight event demonstrating our commitment to supporting groundbreaking medical research and community initiatives. Our involvement is grounded in the Integro team, which was a founding sponsor of the event at its inception 24 years ago. Acquired in 2020, we’re delighted to continue the tradition of support.
In recognition of his profound impact and dedication to the cause, we invited Scott Burt, Co-Chair and Integro Co-Founder, to guest write an article about his experiences and involvement with the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Scott’s personal journey and unwavering advocacy offer invaluable insights into the mission and achievements of this vital organization.
The below has been edited for length and clarity.
My journey into the world of the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) and co-founding the Microsoft Scramble for Sight event started from a deeply personal place. I had always been active in community volunteering, but when my 4-year-old son was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 1999, my commitment to this cause intensified.
The FFB played a crucial role in helping me diagnose my son initially, leaving me with a very favorable impression of the organization. Back then, RP meant that my son would progressively lose his vision until it was completely gone, and there were no treatments or cures available. The FFB was focused on basic research, like understanding how the eye works, with no treatments or cures ready for human testing. This lack of options made me more determined to support the FFB’s mission.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is dedicated to driving research that aims to provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. Founded by Gordon Gund in 1972, the FFB has grown to be a global leader in this field, pushing forward research and clinical trials that offer hope to millions.
The FFB’s influence is evident in the fact that it has been instrumental in the majority of cures and treatments currently in human clinical trials. Impressively, over 50 promising treatments are in progress today, many of which were made possible through FFB’s funding. One of the most notable achievements is the first genetic therapy to cure a disease in the human body, which now allows children to receive a single shot in each eye, restoring their vision for life.
One remarkable success story is that of Olivia Klinefelter, a young girl from Colorado who received this groundbreaking genetic therapy. Her vision was restored, and she often shares her story at our golf tournament, inspiring many. Here’s a link to her speaking two years ago at the Scramble for Sight.
Another inspiring case is a young man in his 30s, who, thanks to one of these clinical trials, is now learning to read the alphabet after never having usable vision before. These stories underscore the life-changing impact of FFB’s work.
The Microsoft Scramble for Sight has raised nearly $4 million, contributing to the FFB’s lifetime fundraising total, which is approaching $1 billion. These funds are crucial in supporting the ongoing research and development of new treatments and cures.
Apart from our annual tournament, the FFB engages with the community through various initiatives, the most prominent being the VisionWalk. This national event features nearly 50 walks each year, offering a fun and easy way to support the cause. Additionally, the FFB provides extensive support, education, and outreach for those affected by retinal degenerative diseases.
For those interested in getting involved, there are numerous opportunities for fundraising, volunteering, and donating. I’m always happy to help connect people to the right resources in their area.
For more information or to get involved, feel free to reach out to me directly, [email protected]. Together, we can continue to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness in its vital mission to find cures for blinding diseases.
