Lisa Pleasants

Lisa Pleasants began her advocacy when her three-month-old son, Brendon Cavainolo, received a diagnosis of x-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), a genetic disease that also affects her brothers and a cousin. Today, although legally blind and unable to drive, or read without large print, Brendon thrives. Fueled by his own passion and determination, he earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, built a successful career, is an avid runner, and is happily married.

Determined to find a cure, Lisa turned her family's reality into a public mission. Years of participating in Jacksonville's VisionWalk and volunteering with the Foundation Fighting Blindness connected her with other mothers navigating the same challenges. Together, they share best practices for managing doctor visits, school accommodations, and clinical trials. This powerful sense of community inspired her to start MOMS for Sight in 2012.

If you'd like to learn more about Lisa and Brendon's XLRS journey, click on the links below