Mission Statement
Aniridia Foundation International is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting those with low vision or blindness due to the genetic blinding eye disease Aniridia. Our members consist of those with aniridia, their families, physicians, researchers, and teachers. It is our hope that one day through a collaboration of the public, philanthropic and corporate donors, medical and research communities together with our "team efforts", Aniridia syndrome and its associated conditions will be a thing of the past. We appreciate your support and involvement and ask that you Take our Hands, Walk with Us, Share our Dreams, and Help Us Make a Miracle!
Description
Aniridia Foundation International is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting those with low vision or blindness due to the genetic blinding eye disease Aniridia. Our members consist of those with aniridia, their families, physicians, researchers, and teachers.
Aniridia Foundation International members have united together because we must stop this genetic disease from passing from one generation to the next, and make a difference in the lives of those who presently live with it daily. There is currently no cure, but we hope that with our diligence and passion that we will see one in our lifetime.
A child who is born with aniridia syndrome (other eye or medical conditions) has a life of challenges. Most children born with aniridia syndrome have visual acuities around 20/200 and are considered legally blind. This is because from what we have discovered so far, the gene responsible for aniridia syndrome (PAX 6) is responsible for the development and cell maintenance of the eyes, kidneys, pancreas and areas of the brain. The inner structures of the eye such as the retina, optic nerve and iris are not fully developed. These children must face throughout their life and at any age the possibility of losing more vision due to the associated eye conditions of glaucoma, cataracts, corneal scarring, retinal detachments and Aniridia Fibrosis syndrome (AFS). Possible medical conditions include glucose intolerance, diabetes, obesity, and metabolic problems. In rare cases, one third of those with sporadic aniridia (neither parent has it) will have WAGR Syndrome which means in most cases, they will have one or more of these conditions in addition to having aniridia: Wilms tumor (cancerous tumor of the kidney usually before age 8), Genitourinary Abnormalities, Gonadblastoma and various levels of retardation or learning disabilities.
It is our hope that one day through a collaboration of the public, philanthropic and corporate donors, medical and research communities together with our "team efforts", Aniridia syndrome and its associated conditions will be a thing of the past. We appreciate your support and involvement and ask that you Take our Hands, Walk with Us, Share our Dreams, and Help Us Make a Miracle!
