Eyes in the Sky: Ashland Balloon Event Gives Children with Vision Loss Memories for a Lifetime
ASHLAND – Some stories are more than just news—they’re moments that tug at the heart, stirring that familiar lump in the throat. Saturday evening at Freer Field was one of those times. Families gathered under the open sky for Eyes in the Sky, the inaugural hot air balloon celebration hosted by the Visual Bucket List Foundation (VBLF), created for children facing the devastating reality of losing their vision.
A Foundation Born from Love and Loss
The VBLF was founded in 2016 by Steve and Christine Myers of Mansfield after their daughter, Lizzy, was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome 2A, the leading genetic cause of deafblindness. At just five years old, Lizzy’s future grew uncertain, and her parents decided to create a “visual bucket list”—a collection of sights she should see before her vision faded. Most of the sights on her list were simple—fireflies, sunsets, stars and the moon; things that we sometimes all take for granted.
Word of their journey spread worldwide. Though the family declined many offers, one stood out. Turkish Airlines insisted on helping and flew the family to Rome. There, Lizzy met Pope Francis, who blessed her eyes and ears. That powerful experience inspired the Myers family to “pay forward” the kindness they had received. Since then, the foundation has created unforgettable experiences for more than 25 children across seven states.
Wishes granted have included: snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, spending a day with the Navy Blue Angels, staying in a rainforest in Hawaii, glamping in the San Diego Zoo, exploring Olympic National Forest & whale watching in Washington, exploring Yellowstone National Park, digging for dinosaur bones at Paleo Adventures in South Dakota, Touring the Statue of Liberty and many more.
A Night to Remember
Saturday’s event was unlike any other. For five families—six children in all, the evening became a red-carpet experience. A tethered hot air balloon lifted the kids skyward, allowing them to see the world from a new, breathtaking perspective.
“These kids know the future holds vision loss,” said Holly Dawson, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for VBLF. “Our goal is to give them a memory they can hold in their hearts forever. That way, when the time comes, they’ll still have that picture in their mind.”
Children traveled from Bucyrus, Tipp City, Sandusky, and Loudonville to take part. Lizzy, now a Lexington High School sophomore with 20/20 vision, was also present. She dreams of one day taking over the foundation herself, ensuring its mission continues. She is currently taking college classes with a future goal of working with visually impaired children one day.
More Than a Balloon Ride
As the balloon lifted into the dusky sky, children’s laughter mingled with the gasps of parents watching their sons and daughters take in views they may one day only remember in their minds. For a few shining moments, vision loss wasn’t the story—the story was wonder, joy, and love.
Smiles Beneath the Moonlight
As the evening wound down, smiles still lit the children’s faces while the moon peeked out of the eastern sky. The glow of the Looney Lemon and the soft sparkle from the Kona Ice stand seemed to dance in their eyes, as if the night itself joined in the celebration.
Looking Ahead
The foundation already has its eyes on the future. Next year, its 10th anniversary, a young applicant will be sent to Rome—the same city where Lizzy’s journey began a decade earlier.
In the meantime, the VBLF continues its work thanks to donations from local sponsors and individuals. Contributions can be made at thevblf.com, through PayPal or Venmo, or by visiting the foundation’s Mansfield office on Lexington Avenue.
The organization has an upcoming OSU-themed Reverse Raffle Fundraiser at Buckeye Imagination Museum on November 7th. VBLF is seeking sponsors and individual participants for the event.
Community Partners Step In
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the ballooning community and the generosity of sponsors.
Champion Partners made this inaugural celebration possible: The Norma Foundation, Ashland Balloon Rides & Illuma Screens
Vision Sponsors: Park National Bank, Keeley Pruner with Modern Woodmen of America.
