Kristin Smedley’s mantra is “Life is funny… sort of.” Her fun-loving spirit and energetic personality guided her life in the direction of a career in teaching. Kristin worked hard, earned the degree and landed the job of her dreams: elementary school teacher.
As Kristin rose to the top of her field, fate had other plans. Kristin found herself shockingly dealt a double dose of darkness. Her first two children were born with a rare blindness.
Once known for her smile, Kristin found herself devastated and angry. Before the birth of her babies, Kristin had never known a blind person. The boys’ retina specialist informed her family that both children would need white canes to navigate the world, and that neither of them would likely ever attend a normal school, pitch a baseball, drive a car or be able to secure a great job. With no idea how to navigate their needs, Kristin saw little hope for their future.
Nearly suffocating from her own fears, Kristin knew she needed to overcome the anxiety, worry, and obstacles for the sake of her sons, but she had no idea how to proceed. Yet, knowing that Michael and Mitchell needed their mother to fight for them, Kristin began advocating for the tools her blind children needed.
As Kristin found and equipped her boys with the resources to help them thrive, they not only took on the world, but changed Kristin’s perception of blindness. With the right foundation and a multitude of resources and tools, her children have become popular, accomplished athletes, high achieving students, talented musicians, and International Braille competition finalists, as well as typical big brothers to their sighted sister, Karissa, both teasing and supporting her as big brothers do!
Kristin Smedley is Co-Founder and CEO of the only patient organization in the world for people living with the blindness her two sons are affected by, CRB1 LCA/RP. The Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation has raised over 4 million dollars and achieved a National Rare Eye Disease Awareness Day. That legislation, H.R. #625, was the first in US history to be submitted in Braille and it advocates for better resources for blind and visually impaired Americans.
Kristin partnered with Spark Therapeutics to help achieve the first ever FDA approved gene therapy to treat an inherited retinal disease in the United States. She has done a TEDx Talk in New York City to change perceptions of blindness and she partnered with Comcast media to spread awareness of the inclusive X1 product.
Kristin is author of the bestselling book Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight and a new children’s book, What I Can Be Is Up To Me.
Kristin co-founded ThrivingblindAcademy.org to solve the employment, literacy, and financial crisis in the blind community. She is Co-Creator of the short film, The Greatest Equalizer, a partnership with Blind Institute of Technology, Insight Global and Salesforce to address the unemployment crisis of the blind.
All of these initiatives harness Kristin’s important message: uncovering ability in disAbility and seeing advantage in disAdvantage.
The mission of Thriving Blind Academy is to solve the unemployment, literacy and financial crisis of the blind community. In 2022, Kristin teamed up with Charlie Collins, a successful speaker, author and entrepreneur - who is also legally blind, to create this groundbreaking community that will change the lives of those living with blindness and low vision. To join as a Member or Mentor, or to contribute to the mission, please visit www.ThrivingBlindAcademy.org
Kristin’s two sons are blind due to a rare genetic degenerative disease, CRB1 retinal disease. In 2011, Kristin found other families affected with this disease and founded the Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation to raise funds and coordinate research projects for CRB1. The CRBF is the only organization in the world for this disease. Find out more about this incredible effort at www.crb1.org
**The CRBF is currently in a race to raise $3M to Fund the Finish Lines and get this rare disease into clinical trials with 4 years. To contribute, visit www.crb1.org.
Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight is an inspiring collection of stories that showcase the resilience, determination, and success of individuals with vision loss. With a foreword by Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, this book offers a unique perspective on what it means to thrive without sight. The audiobook, co-narrated by Kristin and her son Mitchell, adds a personal touch, bringing these stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with listeners. Whether you’re facing challenges of your own or seeking inspiration, Thriving Blind is a must-read for anyone looking to redefine what’s possible.
What I Can Be Is Up To Me is an empowering children's book that encourages young readers to discover and embrace their unique abilities. Available in a print and Braille format, this book is fully accessible, ensuring that all children can enjoy and benefit from its inspiring message. Through its engaging story and vibrant illustrations, the book inspires children to dream big and believe in their potential, regardless of any challenges they may face. More than just a story, this book serves as a powerful tool for building confidence and self-belief in all readers. All proceeds from the sale of What I Can Be Is Up To Me support programs for families impacted by blindness.
Curveball is an upcoming feature film that tells the extraordinary true story of Kristin Smedley’s journey to raise two successful blind sons, defying all expectations. The film captures the heartwarming and inspiring tale of Kristin’s oldest son, who became the first blind Little League baseball player. His determination became the driving force that led his team to an unexpected championship victory, proving that nothing is impossible when you refuse to let challenges define you. Being hailed as the next Erin Brockovich, Curveball is not just a story about overcoming obstacles—it's a celebration of the human spirit, resilience, and the power of a mother’s unwavering love.
The Book
This book will transform your idea of what is possible for people who encounter a devastating life event and will catapult your motivation to set extraordinary expectations for your own life.
