About RP Gene Research Foundation
President
President
President
RPGRF was founded by Martina Manning after both of her children were diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. When she discovered there was currently no cure for the disease that was stealing her children's vision, it became her mission to fund research to find a cure.
The diagnosis broke her heart, and she hopes that no other person will have to worry that their loved one will go blind from RP.
Secretary
President
President
Gayle Guyardo is currently the host of the globally syndicated talk show Bloom Tampa Bay. Her own family has been affected by blindness and she is passionate about finding a cure. She also sits on the Foundation Board of Directors for Lions World VIsion Institute.
She is committed to raising awareness about Retinitis Pigmentosa and has done numerous shows on the topic.
Treasurer
President
Treasurer
Neepa Dalal Patel has a background in finance and has dedicated the past seventeen years volunteering with various organizations. Currently, she serves as a Standardized Patient at the University of South Florida Medical School.
Inspired by a dear friend whose family has been affected by blindness, Neepa is passionate about raising awareness to find a cure for Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Our Story
RP Gene Research Foundation
For years, I noticed that my children struggled to see in low light. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I thought maybe some people just didn’t see as well as others when it was dark, and I didn’t have a real understanding of eye diseases to know any different.
But over time, their vision seemed to get worse, and after a lot of testing, we finally received the devastating diagnosis: my children have Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This condition, which they inherited from my husband’s side of the family, comes from a very specific dominant gene (PRPF31). While my husband and his father don’t show any signs of RP, they carry this gene, and unfortunately, both of my children inherited it. Even more tragically, the gene activated in both of them.
What does that mean? It means they are slowly losing their sight. And as their mother, I can’t and won’t accept that. There is no cure for RP right now, but I refuse to give up hope. I believe that with the support of people like you, we can change that.
I’ve created this nonprofit to raise funds for critical research, in the hope that one day there will be a cure for RP and other children like mine won’t have to face this heartache.
Please, if you’re able, consider donating to help us take one step closer to that future. My children will always be my babies, no matter how old they get, and I will fight for them every single day. Thank you for your support.
Martina Manning with her two children.