Jeffrey’s Dam to Dam run buddy Thara

Jeffrey is one of the heroes who will participate in the Dam to Dam run for the Eye Care Foundation this year. Or rather, he is a super hero! Jeffrey`s vision has become severely impaired due to Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic deterioration of the optic nerves. But this does not prevent him from being an avid athlete.

Jeffrey says: Hello, my name is Jeffrey. It may not be immediately obvious, but I am severely visually impaired. I worked as a sous-chef in restaurants until I was 23 years old. Then disaster struck and I lost my eyesight. Within two months, my vision deteriorated from 100%  to 5%. Unfortunately I can see nothing but light and dark. I was diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic deterioration of the optic nerve which is very rare. There is nothing wrong with my eyes, but images are not passed on to my brains. Despite all this, I won`t let it stop me and I try to get the most out of life. Sports, especially football, have always been my passion. Unfortunately I can`t pursue my dream of playing soccer now, but being fit and athletic remains essential to my wellbeing. Since March 2016 I have taken up a new challenge: running with my buddy Thara. This is going so well that we have set ourselves the goal to run long distances in mayor running events.

Thara en Jeffrey