A Race Against Blindness One family’s inspiring journey to see the world together
- S1E151
- 31:00
- December 26th 2023
🎙️ Episode 240: A Race Against Blindness
One family's powerful journey to preserve memories before time runs out
Hosts: Rob and Danny
Guest: Dr. Steven Johnson, founder of A Race Against Blindness
Description:
In this emotional and inspiring season finale, Rob and Danny sit down with Dr. Steven Johnson, a radiologist, Ironman athlete, and father on a mission. When his 9-year-old son Luke was diagnosed with a rare disease that will lead to blindness, Steven and his family launched an epic road trip to help Luke see as much of the world as possible while he still can. From fossil digs in Wyoming to hiking Glacier National Park, their travels were more than sightseeing—they were a race against time to fill Luke’s visual memory bank with unforgettable moments.
Dr. Johnson shares how the diagnosis changed his perspective on family travel, the power of staying flexible on the road, and how their nonprofit, A Race Against Blindness, is funding cutting-edge research to save Luke’s vision and that of others like him.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- The emotional impact of a life-changing diagnosis
- How the Johnson family planned a memory-making bucket list trip
- Highlights from their journey through Canada, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming
- Luke’s favorite moments: fossil digs, military tanks, and glacier hikes
- Advice for families facing medical challenges
- The mission behind A Race Against Blindness and how you can help
Links & Resources:
📸 Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook: @araceagainstblindness
🎁 Support their van giveaway fundraiser
📧 Plan your next family trip with Rob: [email protected]
Subscribe & Share:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more family travel stories.
Tag your favorite family vacation memory with #TheFamilyVacationer.
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!