A Leap for Independence and Inclusion
On June 6, I took on a personal and powerful challenge: rappelling down a 10-story building at the Holiday Inn in Lancaster, PA. This wasn’t just about facing fear — it was about rallying support and raising $200,000 to empower individuals living with visual impairments. As Drishti’s Youth CEO and Co-Founder, I’m deeply committed to advancing independence for all, and this event was a bold step toward that mission.
I was proud to stand alongside our incredible partners Vision Corps and Team Liberty Chester County, led by Natanya Sortland, an inspiring legally blind activist whose leadership ignites change. Together, our combined efforts made a tangible difference — Team Liberty Chester County became one of the top fundraising teams at #EyeDrop2025.
Fear is real. I’m a high school student navigating challenges like anyone else, but I met that fear head-on, channeling the same resilience and courage that drive Drishti every day. After my rappel, I shared my story live on TV, hoping to inspire others to step beyond comfort zones — because that’s where true inclusion, independence, and hope take root.
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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