I appreciate BrightFocus Foundation’s support of funding high-risk, high-reward projects. That is what truly investing in the next generation of scientists means—supporting these new ideas, which can sometimes be high risk. But they also come with high rewards, and that is helping us to bring new ideas to the table.

Zahra Shirzadi, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Recipient

After I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, I had no idea where to turn. Fortunately, a friend and neighbor shared with me a newsletter from BrightFocus Foundation. Since then, I have participated in the nonprofit’s monthly Macular Chats and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Community Circle group. I’ve been able to connect with people across the U.S. who are also living with macular degeneration. BrightFocus has been a huge part of my life.

Maureen Foley, Diagnosed with macular degeneration

BrightFocus serves as a crucial catalyst for the careers of emerging investigators. By making their new findings possible, BrightFocus supports entire communities of scientists who have dedicated their lives to addressing these brain and eye conditions.

John S. Penn, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

I am an artist, and shortly after I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, I printed out a picture I painted to bring to my eye doctor. It was a picture of my granddaughter drinking a cup of hot cocoa. I wanted him to see what I do and how important my vision is to me.

Wynicia Clute, Diagnosed with macular degeneration