Portland VisionWalk 2010

My brother, mother and I have been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a genetic eye condition that causes limited peripheral and night vision (read more about my RP experience here and here). On October 23rd, Cara and I returned to Portland to participate in the 2010 Oregon VisionWalk, a fundraiser for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Here are some of the highlights:

(1) The walk was held under typical Northwest grey skies, but the forecasted rain held off. In fact, we were even blessed with an occasional sun-break - perfect walking weather! Cara and I are claiming responsibility for bringing the sunny Sacramento weather with us to the Rose City.

(2) Our team, Believing is Seeing was 15 members strong and we were all looking quite fashionable in our bright yellow team t-shirts (which my dad and brother designed together).

(3) Thanks to all our friends and family for supporting us in this worthwhile cause. Our team raised $4,075 and as a whole, Oregon VisionWalk raised nearly $35,000!

Here are a few more photos to tell the story (in no particular order). Can't wait until next year!

Becca and Mark getting geared up for the walk


About one-third of our AWESOME team:


Cara and her sister, Megan, making sure we all walk our three miles


James and his wife, Ada, before the walk


The extended Hoag family before the walk


Poppy + Becca (and her balloon dog)


Trent was able to snag a lap-long piggy back ride!


Matt and his brother, James, hamming it up for the camera