The Story of Ty's Eyes

Ty Rockey is nine years old and about to start the fourth grade.  Like most boys his age, he enjoys watching TV, riding his bike and playing outside with his friends.  Unlike most boys, Ty was born blind. 

Ty has Lebers Congenital Amaurosis type 1 (or LCA1), a genetic retinal disorder that can occur on one of 19 different genes, causing blindness from a very young age or birth.  

“After we got a diagnosis we were completely devastated,” Ty’s mother, Kelly said.  “We had never even met a blind person before and had no idea what to expect or what his future would be like.”

The Rockey family has since learned a lot about how blindness does not have to be a limitation.  Ty reads using braille, and uses a computer called BrailleNote.  He uses a white cane to travel independently, watches TV while his mom describes what’s happening on screen, and uses voiceover on his iPod touch.  He even plays baseball using a beeping ball.

Ty’s favorite thing to do is play outside.  He said he loves the trampoline, swinging, and going to the park.  He rides his bike, plays baseball and is on swim team. He loves playing with his little sister Allie and his friends.

“I have a lot of friends at school and in my neighborhood,” Ty said.  “I also have friends who are blind that we see every couple of years, they live all over the country.”

Ty also enjoys music and going to concerts.  He even takes singing lessons.

“I honestly don't remember having much of a reaction to his condition,” Ty’s friend and vocal instructor Emma Brooke said. “He was another kid who wanted to learn how to sing and I thought that was wonderful.”

We all have disabilities that work to our disadvantage, but Ty and the Rockey family have used their creativity and ingenuity to essentially make light of what many would consider a debilitating challenge, while at the same time fighting for a change that may one day give sight to those born with LCA through their nonprofit organization Ty’s Eyes.

 “We realized … he would have to do things differently but he will be able to do it all,” Kelly said.  “Over time he has shown us that he can and will do whatever he wanted and be just like any other little boy.”

The Rockeys are in the midst of preparing for their fifth fund raising concert for Ty’s Eyes. “Rock for Retinal Research” is a family friendly event that will be held in West Milford, NJ this Saturday, September 6^th.  To learn more about Rock for Retinal Research visit www.facebook.com/TysEyes and keep reading the Mind Key blog throughout this week.

Blog Roll:
The story of Ty’s Eyes
Rocking for a cause: Rock for Retinal Research
Songs from the heart: Emma Brooke
Metal or Blues?: Fabio and the Footlongs

Share this: