Hi, I'm Jen.
48 - Retinitis Pigmentosa - Illinois
EYECE Breaker Spotlight - April 2026
____________________________________
Jen's EYECE Breaker Story:
"As a mom with a disability, I take great pride in being able to do the normal day-to-day Mom things such as cooking. I always enjoyed when my three daughters had their friends over as well. My story pertains to a night where I was cooking a large dinner for everybody and I had a house full of kids and the moment was great too because they were all right there with me as I was cooking. All of us laughing and joking. I always appreciated the fact that my daughters could see the look on my face and know, at that moment, I was scanning the area and trying to find whatever the item is. This particular night, I was looking for the butter and when they told me to put my hand directly down in front of me and I found the butter. We all started laughing so hard. So what was tears flowing, turned into complete laughter. And now each time that I can’t find something, and it’s directly in front of me, someone yells out “butter!” Each time, It reminds me how we can turn any situation around. The best part about it, is seeing the looks on other people’s faces when someone yells out “BUTTER!" As soon soon as someone says “butter”, I’m always able to find the item."
Beyond the Story:
What's an activity or hobby that you refuse to give up doing, despite the changes to or loss of your vision?
"I refuse to stop cooking and doing my crafts."
What’s something that living with vision loss has taught you about yourself?
"I have learned how to stay humble! To be completely appreciative of people, places and things."
What’s a moment, related to your vision, that still makes you laugh?
"I will always laugh at all my mishaps. Whether the door frame jumps out at me or I send things flying through the air, I’ll always find the humor."
When speaking about your vision, what’s something people are usually surprised to learn about your day-to-day life?
"People are surprised that I work full time, just finished my Masters degree and I still do all my hobbies."
What’s one misconception about your vision that you wish people knew and/or would let go of?
"It’s very hard to understand RP and “what I see”. I don’t always understand it. My vision changes every second depending what I’m looking at and what the environment around me is."
With your diagnosis in mind, what’s one “rare perspective” you’ve gained?
"Patience....JUST KIDDING! I’m going to go with my determination to have and prove my purpose. Many don’t truly think about our own purpose."
A Little More From Jen:
" Always find a way to laugh. Laughter truly is the best medicine."
June 2026
Anthony
“I reached for a free Costco meatball…I’m not about to disrespect a free meatball...Then accidentally knocked over the backup supply. My Guide Dog thought it was the greatest day in Costco history.”
May 2026
Randall
“I was dressed for the camera and proceeded with my speech. It was 7 minutes long. I said thank you and waited for a response… only silence. Then I realized I wasn’t even in the meeting.”
April 2026
Jen
“I was cooking with a house full of kids and looking for the butter. They told me to put my hand down directly in front of me…now each time something is directly in front of me, someone yells ‘BUTTER!’”
MARCH 2026
STEPHANIE
"I was in a shop with my daughter when I grabbed what felt like an amazing purse. She urgently whispred to STOP...Turns out, it was attached to another customer! We laughed so hard."
FEBRUARY 2026
SHANA
"I entered a dim bathroom--found a fun-house of mirrors instead. Upon leaving I called for help and laughed until a kind woman led me to freedom."
July 2026
COMING SOON