Teenager’s Quest to Travel the World Before Losing Sight

Teenager’s Quest to Travel the World Before Losing Sight

A 17-year-old girl is determined to explore the world as much as possible before she completely loses her eyesight. Tilly Hayward, from Peterborough, England, has been diagnosed with a rare genetic eye condition known as Stargardt disease, which will eventually lead to blindness, according to reports from news agency SWNS.

Understanding Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease is a hereditary condition that affects approximately one in every 10,000 individuals. It occurs when fatty deposits accumulate on the macula, a crucial part of the retina responsible for central vision. While many people with this condition can maintain their peripheral vision, Hayward recently learned that hers is deteriorating.

The Impact of Vision Loss

In November, Hayward received devastating news: her peripheral vision is declining rapidly, and she will eventually lose her sight entirely. “The news has put into perspective that life is short,” she expressed, emphasizing the urgency she now feels to experience as much of the world as she can.

Motivation to Travel

With an uncertain timeline for her vision loss, Hayward has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting her travel aspirations. Her wish list includes destinations like Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and the stunning beaches of Dubai.

Hayward shared, “Being told to prepare for the worst has motivated me to see as much of the world as possible. From the age of 4 or 5, I’ve been obsessed with beaches and planes.” Her childhood dream of becoming a flight attendant remains a guiding inspiration.

A Personal Journey with Stargardt Disease

Born with Stargardt disease, Hayward’s journey has been riddled with challenges. Both of her parents carry the gene, and the symptoms first appeared when she was only four years old. Even then, opticians recommended glasses instead of further investigation.

As a child, Hayward describes experiences of bumping into objects and sitting extremely close to the TV. “When I was 7, I still remember a teacher asking me to plot coordinates on a graph, but I didn’t even realize the paper had lines on it,” she recounted. This misinformation led her family on a difficult path, with doctors initially suggesting her issues were behavioral.

Diagnosis and Acceptance

After numerous tests and consultations, Hayward was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of 9. She explained, “I have no central vision, and my peripheral vision is like a spiderweb. I have some vision, but it isn’t clear or normal.” Despite the challenges, she has learned to read Braille and is currently studying for exams while accepting that her eyesight will eventually fade.

Hayward shared her growth journey, stating, “Until I was 15, I was embarrassed to be registered as a blind person. But as I connected with others who have similar conditions, I realized that we can achieve amazing things. My mother has always been my biggest champion throughout this journey.”

Traveling Amidst Challenges

Despite her declining vision, Hayward has made it a priority to make the most of what she can still experience. During a recent trip to Spain, she expressed joy but also acknowledged the difficulty of experiencing the world in a new way. “If I can’t see the people or waves on the beach, I’ll listen to them,” she said.

Her determination to travel stems not just from a desire for adventure but also from a poignant wish to see the world. She stated, “I would love to see the sand beneath my feet one last time, the palm trees swaying in the wind, and the smiles on my family’s faces as we watch the ocean sunsets.”

Seeking Support

To help fund her travels, Hayward established a GoFundMe page, which has already raised £1,490 (approximately $1,850) of her £2,000 goal. “My biggest dream since I was a little girl is to visit Florida, and I’ve always wanted to see Cinderella Castle,” she noted, expressing her dreams despite the impending challenges.

A Message of Hope

Hayward hopes her story will inspire others facing sight loss. She urges, “If anyone is going through a diagnosis or experiencing sight loss, it may feel like the end of the world. However, you can learn to live with it and adapt. If I hadn’t gone through this experience, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” A kind message from a supporter resonated with her: “God bless you; don’t give up hope.”

The Reality of Stargardt Disease

The National Eye Institute highlights that vision loss from Stargardt disease typically begins in childhood but may not become apparent until later in life. While there is currently no treatment for this rare genetic condition, vision rehabilitation can assist individuals in maximizing their remaining vision.

Ultimately, Tilly Hayward’s journey serves as a remarkable testament to resilience and hope. She continues to encourage others to find joy and purpose, no matter the difficulties they may face.