Welcome to the ninth official “We are the Blog fest post”. The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. Each month we bring to you the We Are the World Blogfest, My name is Sylvia Stein and I along with my fabulous cohosts Inderpreet Uppal, Damyanti Biswas, Andrea Michaels, Shilpa Garg and Susan Scott.
In this week’s WATWB post I decided to focus on a story about two blind brothers by the name of Bradford and Bryan Manning who were diagnosed with degenerative eye disease since they were children which are called Stargardt’s which has slowly caused both brothers to lose all of their vision.
However what is most inspiring about their story is that rather than hold them back, being blind has actually become what drives them to push forward.
The main focus and mission of these two brothers were to raise awareness and help others victims and rely on their strongest sense which was touch. Then they decided to develop a company they call Two Blind Brothers, which is a clothing company with a purpose to cure blindness and they work on placing the profits of their line into developing research to help raise awareness and provide a cure.
In addition, the Manning Brothers who are also designers, have incorporated braille within their clothing to represent the struggle with this disease.
“ We use a lot of this in our brand because it really symbolizes the way Bryan and I grew up reading,” stated Bradford.
What is truly remarkable about their story is that they only embarked on this venture about 10 months ago, and their company Two Blind Brothers have already won over and garnered endorsements from celebrity activists such as Ellen DeGeneres and Sir Richard Branson.
Bryan adds, ““There are amazingly intelligent people who are so driven to cure these diseases, it just takes funding to get them through these trials to get us these cures. That’s why we donate 100 percent of our profits to these pre-clinical trials, call me optimistic but there’s a cure in there.”
Lastly, I chose this story because I found it amazing and so inspiring how these two young men while facing their own challenges with the loss of their vision decided to start on a company for the search of a cure for this illness and they have redefined what is normal to be normal and help start a community for people to look up to. Their eyesight may be impaired, but it is clear these two brothers want to make sure to bring awareness and it is clear their field of vision is quite extraordinary.
Silvia, thank you for this amazing story of the brothers … I wish them so well in their ongoing efforts in raising money to find a cure – and I hope of course that they themselves will benefit in this cure.
You are most welcome Susan, And I agree.
Oh what an inspiring story Sylvia – I’m so glad you shared it (and thanks as well for co-hosting this month)! Such amazing men creating a real difference – this makes my heart so happy. I hope they succeed in finding a cure, and continue to inspire others with their message and committment.
thank you so much Deborah Weber and I am so happy to be co-hosting thank you. Yes, I agree these two men are making a real difference and they are so inpiring.
This is an amazing story. I like that the brothers are working together to make small changes in this world that lead to better things. Incorporating braille in the clothing is brilliant. I don’t know if I’d be as upbeat about my future if confronted with what they’re dealing with.
Thank you
Cool! It’s good to see people defy the odds and do something probably a lot of people told them they couldn’t do.
I agree and thank you.
This is pretty great—these two are certainly not focused on their limitations, are they?
Thank you and no they are not 😊❤️
Silvia, this is simply AMAZING!
They have accomplished so much in a short space of time.
Thank you for sharing this story. 🙂
Writer In Transit
It gives new perspective to a quote which I love: eyes are useless when the mind is blind.
Thank you Michelle and thanks for sharing the quote 😊
Remarkable people. They are a blessing and an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this story.
Yes, they are and thank you Peter.
It just makes you want to go out and buy one of their Tshirts. Great story, Sylvia. These brothers really do have a vision and passion for life. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with Simon – now I want to buy one of their Tshirts! Thank you for sharing this wonderfully inspiring story, Sylvia!
Thank you 😊 Emily😊
This is such an amazing and an inspiring story of two brothers who did let their disease hold them back in any way. More power to Bradford and Bryan!
🙏 thank you