Going blind at 45: Finding purpose after darkness | Freddy Petrone | TEDxPortsmouth

Personal Transformation & Overcoming Adversity - The individual experienced vision loss due to a rare genetic eye disease called Leber's optic neuropathy [2] - The individual initially coped with blindness by attempting to drink to death but subsequently sought help [2] - Participation in a clinical trial, though failing to restore eyesight, led to sobriety [3] - The individual attended Carroll Center for the Blind to learn how to live with blindness [3] - The individual overcame physical limitations by walking up to 23 miles (approximately 37 kilometers) per day and losing 55 lbs (approximately 25 kilograms) [5] Founding and Impact of "I Got Bridged" - The individual founded a nonprofit called "I Got Bridged" to address food insecurity and transportation issues [10] - "I Got Bridged" started with raising funds for a 15-passenger van despite skepticism [11][12] - Four years later, "I Got Bridged" has five vehicles, 200 volunteers, and provided 10,000 rides and 20,000 meals last year, all for free [13] Philosophy and Message - The individual emphasizes helping others as a way to overcome personal problems [6][7][11] - The individual believes in acting one's way into the right way of thinking [14]