Molly Burke
Youth Ambassador

Molly Burke, who is losing her sight to retinitis pigmentosa, was one of 40 people in Toronto, ON who carried the Paralympic Torch through Nathan Phillips Square.  Watch Molly interview with City TV.

Molly was recognized for her work with the YMCA of Oakville’s Peace Medal for 2009, read more.

MISS TEEN CANADA: W. Ross Macdonald student relinquishes title before 2010 term begins, read more. 

Hi, my name is Molly, I’m 16 years old and I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative retinal disease at the age of 5, but that hasn’t slowed me down. I am determined to lead by example, and be an exemplary role model for young women striving to overcome difficult challenges in their lives.

I have been a youth ambassador for the Foundation Fighting Blindness since being diagnosed, helping to educate the media about what it’s like to struggle with blindness while delivering a message of hope to those suffering from vision impairment. I believe a cure is in sight!

My dream is to one day to build a career in media and communications where I can combine my passion for psychology and social work to better the lives of those with physical disabilities. I currently attend Grade 9 at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the blind with my guide dog Gypsy.

My vision has deteriorated over the years, forcing me to stop certain activities, like soccer and tennis, and learn to adapt to my condition by learning Braille and specialized computer software.

But I won’t let this slow me down from aspiring to reach my goals and tell others with visual impairments that they too can live life to the fullest.  

But you too can help the more than one million Canadians losing their sight and help the FFB’s new research partnership to discover breakthroughs that can restore vision. Research into a cure has never been more promising!