A Leap for Independence and Inclusion
As Youth CEO and co‑founder of Drishti Foundation USA, I pushed creative boundaries to empower people who are visually impaired and advance the foundation’s work. Partnering with VisionCorps for #EyeDrop2025 was an incredible opportunity to support independence for the visually impaired.
For my personal fundraising challenge, I rappelled down a 10‑story building and raised more than $2,500 for the cause. It was nerve‑wracking, but the impact made it worth it. Beyond that stunt, I led EyeDrop2025’s promotional and social media efforts to help the campaign reach its $200K goal. Working with Team Liberty Chester County, we exceeded expectations and raised over $25,000; Natanya Sortland, a legally blind activist and VisionCorps Ambassador, kept our team inspired throughout.
Thank you to VisionCorps for providing a powerful platform for advocacy and action, and to the Drishti Youth Team for believing in the mission. Their energy, along with dedicated parent volunteers — including a remarkable 76‑year‑old grandmother — brought the event to life. Drishti volunteers welcomed rappellers, managed logistics, and sustained momentum with cheering squads, livestreams, face painting, and social media coverage.
One of the most memorable moments was our street candy gram campaign, when the youth team stepped well outside their comfort zones. Seeing creativity and teamwork drive our fundraising efforts made me proud of everyone involved.
EyeDrop 2025
The “Eye Drop” is VisionCorps’ annual fundraising event — a bold, high-impact initiative where participants rappel down a 10-story building to raise money and awareness for blind and visually impaired individuals across Pennsylvania. In 2025, over 85 participants joined the effort, each committing to raise funds for services like vision rehabilitation, employment support, and preventive screenings. Together, we raised $200,000 — helping VisionCorps surpass $1 million in total funds since the event began in 2019. It’s more than a fundraiser. It’s a movement
My Rappelling Story
Inspired by Courage:
In 2024, I stood at the base of the Holiday Inn in Lancaster, PA, watching Natanya Sortland — a legally blind activist and fearless leader — rappel down ten stories. Her courage moved me deeply. That moment wasn’t just inspiring; it was catalytic. I knew I wanted to support the cause and take on the challenge myself the following year.
For several months leading up to the event, I dedicated myself to fundraising and was proud to personally raise $2,545 as a member of Team Chester County, led by the inspiring Natanya Sortland. Here is the flyer that I shared widely.
A Setback and a Comeback: Spring 2025
The event was scheduled for early June 2025, right after school ended. But just weeks before, I broke my foot. I couldn’t train, couldn’t practice, and for a while, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to participate at all. It was frustrating and scary — not just because of the injury, but because this cause meant so much to me. Thankfully, I healed in time.
The Rappel: Harnessed with Purpose
On the day of the event, I climbed to the rooftop for basic training. The instructors walked me through the gear, the safety checks, and the technique. Then came the moment: I was harnessed, clipped in, and standing at the edge. Ten stories below, my team waited — cheering, waving, and sending up all the energy I needed.
From Apprehension to Accomplishment
I won’t pretend I wasn’t nervous. Standing on the edge of a building, even with a harness, is intimidating. But once I started rappelling, something shifted. It was fun. It was adventurous. And most of all, it was empowering. I reached the ground with a sense of accomplishment.
Team Drishti: Grounded in Support
As I descended, I could hear my team — the Drishti crew — cheering from the ground. Their support was everything. We’ve built this nonprofit together, and this moment felt like a celebration of all we stand for: courage, inclusion, and collective action. Their voices reminded me that I wasn’t alone — and that every step down was a step forward for our mission.
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