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He’s running Boston to support the ‘world’s largest vision and hearing research centers’
"It is probable that AJ will be legally blind by adulthood, and it is possible that he could be totally blind in one or both eyes."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Bob Ruley
Age: 44
From: Groveland, Fla.
My name is Bob Ruley and I am running the 129th Boston Marathon with Team Eye and Ear.
Team Eye and Ear raises funds for Mass Eye and Ear, the world’s largest vision and hearing research centers.
My son, AJ, has degenerative high myopia. The simple version is that his eyes are egg shaped and as he grows, they grow longer instead of rounder. It is probable that AJ will be legally blind by adulthood, and it is possible that he could be totally blind in one or both eyes. There are few treatments currently available for children with degenerative myopia. Hopefully, the continued research at Mass Eye and Ear and others around the world will find new treatments, cures, or options for children and adults with degenerative myopia.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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