Mom and son share the laughter, see the hope By Hiba Kesabi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Share the laughter, see the hope. For Ann Morrison, that is what Comic Vision, a comedy fundraiser in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), is all about. Morrison co-founded the event after her son, Gavin, was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a hereditary disease that strikes children and young adults resulting in a progressive and narrowing tunnel vision, which can ultimately lead to blindness. Gavin, a second-year University of Western Ontario business management and organizational studies student, was only five-years-old when he was diagnosed. Morrison said she noticed something wrong with Gavin's vision when he started walking into walls and other objects at night time. She took him to the doctor thinking he may need a pair of glasses. "I never imagined something as staggering and shocking as eye disease," she said. There are 30,000 people living with RP in Canada and 3,000 are diagnosed every year. The day Gavin was diagnosed was life altering for the family, explained Morrison. "I didn't know what it meant for the future." But after attending an educational session hosted by the FFB, Morrison walked out determined to raise 13 · Wednesday, April 18, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "I never imagined something as staggering and shocking as eye disease." Ann Morrison money for research. She knocked on the doors of family, friends and neighbours. In 2001 through the support of close friend Meg Soper, who at the time was an operating room nurse by day and a stand-up comedian by night, Comic Vision was born. In its 11 years, the event has raised more than $3.7 million for the FFB. Comic Vision will come to Oakville on April 25 at Le Dome Banquet Hall (1173 North Service Rd. E.) and will feature comedians Derek Edwards, Steve Patterson, Frank Spadone, Meg Soper and Pete Zedlacher. Tickets are $150. With stops in five Canadian cities, a lineup of top comedic talent and a silent/live auction, this comic fundraiser promises to keep you laughing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.comicvision.ca. SUBMITTED PHOTO comic vision: Ann Morrison and her son, Gavin Morrison. INVEST IN YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE. EXPLORE YOUR EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS. The Place You Live Can Be The Place You Love Voted #1 Favourite Interior Decorator CHOICE, DIVERSITY, INNOVATION, EXCELLENCE, PERSONALIZATION. In a changing and challenging education environment, the Oakville Independent Schools offer innovative and engaging programs for a new generation of learners. With 11 member schools, there is a wide variety of education alternatives available. Benefits of an Independent Education include: · · · · · Enriched programs in the arts, music, athletics and languages that complement a solid academic foundation. Smaller classroom settings in safe, nurturing environments. Enthusiastic, highly-engaged teachers who offer a student-centred focus. Accessible educators that work with families, offering strategies and approaches to achieve academic success. The freedom to implement learning approaches that ensure each student's needs are defined and individual talents are recognized and cultivated. Visit School Websites · Attend an Open House Arrange a School Visit · Talk to Admissions Staff A GREAT SCHOOL IS WAITING FOR YOU! www.interiordesignoakville.com BEAUTIFUL LIVING 905.257.6556 www.educationoakville.com