San Diego Teen Continues Golfing Despite Losing Vision

Jeremy Poincenot

At the age of 19, Jeremy Poincenot was diagnosed with Leber’s Heredity Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare disease that causes sudden and severe loss of central vision. Being a passionate golfer, he was devastated. Mark Prophet, Jeremy’s best friend, said, “He stopped leaving the room, he stopped going to class, [and] he stopped eating.”

Then Jeremy decided to take action.

Not only did he continue golfing and win a championship, he also started a fundraiser. The Cycling Under Reduced Eyesight (C.U.R.E) Ride, a four day bike ride from Santa Barbara to San Diego, has raised over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The money goes to researchers looking to find a cure for LHON.