December 30th, 2004 was a day that changed my life forever. I had gone to bed feeling fine, but when my alarm rang at 6:00 a.m. I knew that something had changed. I was nearly blind in my right eye. Optic Neuritis provided a turning point for me. It forced me to marshal my resources and dig deep for the strength to carry on. My love for running provided me strength and inspiration despite the cautions of my doctors that strenuous exercise could worsen my condition. I prove that heart, will, and a "tough-minded" desire to survive and prosper carried me to new heights, new love, and a brighter future. This is my story. . .