Retinitis Pigmentosa International (RPI) is a non-profit organization committed to focusing world attention on vision loss. They promote public awareness, research, education and human services for people with degenerative eye diseases. Approximately 1 in 2,719, or 100,000 people suffer from this disorder in the United States, and this disease occurs in every continent in the world.
Helen Harris is the founder of RPI, and she founded this organization in 1973. As a young housewife with three children she learned she had retinitis pigmentosa and so did two of her sons. She has been a longtime activist for the visually impaired and the blind.
RPI organizes and presents the Vision Awards from Hollywood annually, which raises money for RPI. They honor individuals and companies whose work exemplifies exceptional “vision, foresight and insight” in medical research, creative arts and related technology. They also highlight landmark scientific events, such as stem cell research. For example, a patient was honored who regained his sight due to adult stem cell research after 20 years of blindness. There have also been significant advancements in retinal transplantations as well.
They also created the “Eyes of Christmas,” which is a television program designed for the visually impaired and the blind. This first event featured was “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Viewers are able to watch the program by hearing a descriptive narration of each show. The shows feature celebrities, holiday music, films and memories during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. The shows are featured on a variety of independent and cable TV networks.
Some of the well-known movie stars that have been involved with the Christmas project include: Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Reba McIntyre, Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Bob Costas and Natalie Cole. There is also a Bob Hope Memorial due to his great contributions to RPI.
RPI also has a TheatreVision program that creates accessible films for the visually challenged. A special soundtrack is used for feature films and runs concurrently with the film dialog. What is being viewed on the screen is run in the concurrent soundtrack, so the visually impaired get the experience of attending a movie. The first film completed was Forest Gump. The movies are made available across the nation in certain neighborhood theatres, libraries, at charitable organizations and in schools for the blind. Several well-known movies are available at this time.
Helen Harris released her autobiography in 2011, which she wrote for people who are newly diagnosed with RP. This book explains her personal experiences; plus, it offers support and tips for anyone struggling with vision loss. She stated she wished she had known this information when she was initially diagnosed. This remarkable lady has raised $325 million for treatment and research for retinitis pirmentosa patients and other degenerative eye diseases.
RPI has multiple rehab offices located in southern California, which provide vision screening and education. They focus on children as they are more commonly diagnosed. Helen Harris’s commitment over the past forty years has touched millions of lives.
