Meet Dale, the man doing 100K in a day!
Dale’s life has transformed dramatically in the last three years. At age 47, he was faced with a life-changing diagnosis of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This left him with no sight in his left eye (since replaced with a prosthetic) and 40% blurry vision in his right.
“When I lost vision, I made a promise to myself to live my best life and enjoy every moment,” said Dale. He wasted no time in contacting Vision Australia to receive support including Orientation & Mobility training (O&M), adaptive technology, and peer networks. "Learning to adapt was everything," he reflects. "It’s not just about navigating life; it’s about thriving."
Fitness also became a transformative part of Dale’s life since his diagnosis. His doctors recommended walking to improve his vascular health but fuelled by positivity and resilience, Dale wanted to take up running. He’s since become an adaptive runner, completing half marathons and 35km trail events with his guide.
This April, Dale won’t just be running 100K over a month — he’ll be doing it in a single day! He plans to walk 100 kilometres on a treadmill at a local gym in Ballarat. "We’re starting at midnight and smashing out 100Ks in one day!" he says with enthusiasm.
This amazing effort will help Dale prepare for Vision Australia’s Trek for Vision around New Zealand’s Abel Tasman Track. The challenge is both a personal milestone and a fundraiser for Vision Australia’s Quality Living Groups.
Dale’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. His story inspires others to push beyond their limits and embrace life, no matter the challenges.
Dale credits his O&M specialist, Sharon Taylor, for helping him regain independence early on. Now, his Seeing Eye Dog Yana is his constant companion, ensuring he avoids obstacles and stays safe. "Yana and I are learning together," Dale shares. "She’s incredible at helping me find things like stoplight buttons and keeping me on track in the community."
"Vision Australia is more than an organisation. It’s a support network, a community of people who understand what you’re going through. They’ve helped me live life to the fullest."
About Vision Australia
Vision Australia is the leading national provider of services, technology, and resources for people with blindness and low vision.
We work in partnership with Australians who experience vision loss at any age, connecting them with expertise, support, and community so they can move beyond barriers and towards opportunity.
Today, more than 450,000 Australians are blind or have low vision. This is predicted to exceed one million people by 2050.
Vision Australia is focused on a future where vision loss never obscures what's possible. Where every Australian living with low vision or blindness feels a sense of belonging and has the confidence to shape the future they choose.
Discover more about Vision Australia at visionaustralia.org.
