Behind every Indy Car driver there is a story – Buddy Lazier’s story hits close to home for any parent, any child, and for anyone interested in ophthalmology and vision research.
Buddy Lazier’s daughter, Jacqueline, was born with aniridia, a condition characterized by a complete or partial absence of the iris, and which can lead to multiple eye-related problems, one of which is glaucoma. Several years ago, Lazier and his family were referred to the ophthalmologists at the University of Iowa and the Wynn Institute for Vision Research. They were so inspired by the care they received that they have chosen to use their Indy Car to help tell their story and give hope to others with diseases such as aniridia.
Buddy Lazier’s commitment to helping tell Jacqueline’s story is inspiring. Read his Q&A interview where he explains why he has chosen to support the Wynn Institute for Vision Research, check out the video interview where Lazier and his family share their story, and read articles such as this one in USA Today where he shares his personal message of hope. Finally, take a look at the side-pod promotion for the Wynn Institute on Lazier’s 2016 Indy Car.
As a resident who gets the chance to interact with patients just like Jacqueline, I can tell you that there are many families just like the family of Buddy and Kara Lazier, who pray nightly to find a cure for blindness and will do anything they can to help further the cause. For the rest of us that don’t have such a visible platform as an Indy Car to support vision research, thank you Buddy for doing what you can do make a difference. We are proud of you.
Update: As you now know, the 2016 Indy 500 didn’t turn out quite like Team Lazier and its many supporters had hoped, but we remain proud of Buddy Lazier and his family. We’ve got your back, Team Lazier, and will continue cheering you on, both on the track, in the research lab, and in the clinic! The 2016 Indy 500 may have reached its checkered flag, but the competition against glaucoma and inherited eye disease races on!
@Buddy500Lazier and his race against #glaucoma Click To Tweet
