On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Resolution 349, sponsored by Rep. John Schlegel (R-Lebanon), designating April 2024 as Retinal Blindness Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The resolution was presented on behalf of 20-year-old Gracyn Smith of Lebanon County, a sophomore at Coastal Carolina University, who was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of 5.
Rep. John Schlegel, the sponsor of the legislation, expressed his personal connection to Gracyn, stating, “I have known Gracyn for a couple of years and had the privilege of speaking with her recently about retinal blindness and the vision challenges she faces daily. As a fiercely independent young woman, her progressive loss of night vision, peripheral and central vision has forced her to accept assistance when needed.”
Gracyn Smith’s proactive involvement in raising awareness about Retinitis Pigmentosa was also highlighted by Rep. Schlegel, who mentioned, “Working through the Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation, Gracyn volunteers her time promoting awareness about Retinitis Pigmentosa. In fact, she will be in Lebanon this weekend for an annual event in support of research to prevent and find a cure for retinal blindness.”
In recognition of Gracyn’s efforts, Rep. Schlegel announced, “I will be presenting a House citation to Gracyn at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center, where the event will be held, on Saturday, April 20.”
The passing of the resolution not only brings attention to the challenges faced by individuals with retinal blindness but also underscores the importance of advocacy and support for research into finding a cure for this rare genetic disorder.
