Roadtrip for a Cause

My friend Justin Purvis (who I met through Washington Improv Theater) suffers from Choroideremia, a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. His brother, Tod, was recently diagnosed with the condition, as well, and the two of them have decided to do something to raise awareness of the disease, while undertaking a sight-seeing trip that they may not be able to enjoy in the future. In Justin’s words:

“It is our intention before we lose our sight completely to see this great nation with our own eyes. Since Choroideremia starts with the peripheral vision, we’ve decided to start with the peripheral states of America. This summer, we’re going to circumnavigate the contiguous United States, seeing the great sights that make America beautiful. We’ll be documenting the entire trip on film in the hopes of raising awareness of Choroideremia and other degenerative eye diseases. All donations will go towards trip costs and expenses, with all remaining proceeds going to the Choroideremia Research Foundation. We are calling this journey Driving Blind.“

Please consider helping Justin and Tod out. Visit the Driving Blind website to follow their journey and make a donation. Become a fan on Facebook, and help spread the word to others who might be willing to lend a hand. You can also learn more about their condition at the Choroideremia Research Foundation website.

Their latest fundraising idea: a “ride along” contest, whereby they create a life-size photo cut-out of the winner and take it with them on the trip, taking pictures of it at stops along the way. What else should they do to raise money and awareness?

Related Posts:

• “Food, Inc.” and Creative Activism
• Creative Philanthropy
• From Creative DC: When Life Gives You Lemons

See Also: Roadtrip Nation, a project that helps 20-somethings travel the country in a green RV to meet and interview people who love their lives.