Apr 22, 2025

Living Life to the Fullest

Dagmar Jamieson has a remarkable story to tell. At age 13, she was diagnosed with a debilitating eye disease resembling macular degeneration, making it increasingly difficult to see, and the pressures of being a teenager trying to “fit in” were immense. However, Dagmar adapted by embracing her tenacious spirit and thinking creatively to navigate her new way of being. Nevertheless, she never stopped living life to the fullest as a teenager; she skied black diamond runs, figure skated, practiced gymnastics, and participated in various activities alongside her peers.

However, as her sight continued to deteriorate, Dagmar became increasingly concerned about her future. At this critical time, she met the esteemed ophthalmologist Dr. Ian MacDonald, a Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC)-funded researcher who helped to identify the location of the choroideremia gene on the X chromosome and led Canada’s first IRD gene therapy trial.

Dr. MacDonald diagnosed Dagmar with cone rod dystrophy, a progressive eye disease. He also introduced Dagmar to other leading researchers. Through the support of these pioneers, Dagmar gained a deep understanding of the hope and promise associated with groundbreaking advancements in sight-restoration. More importantly, they gave her encouragement and inspiration.

Dagmar discovered FBC, an organization dedicated to raising funds for sight-restorative research and education related to debilitating eye diseases. Alongside neighbourhood volunteers, Dagmar has tirelessly organized fundraising events to support research that provides knowledge and hope to millions. She continues to actively contribute through financial support, believing in the importance of education for those facing blindness and offering hope and encouragement. As a woman of courage and positivity, she envisions a future with less suffering for those who have a blinding eye disease, more medical breakthroughs, and possibly the chance to see her grandchildren clearly one day. She describes the team at FBC as “like family.”

Dagmar has included FBC in her estate plans, stating, “It’s the legacy I leave behind.” She wishes to provide hope to others far into the future, along with the “heartwarming support” she has experienced over the years.

Living life to the fullest, Dagmar has never stopped moving forward. For years, she skied black diamond runs with her friends, on her own, or with slope volunteers. Now, she is learning to water ski the slalom course on one ski, despite her limited vision. Additionally, she is co-writing a book titled Blind Visionaries and Technology: Seeing Differently, which explores how modern technology, including AI, is providing independence and accessibility for the visually impaired. A woman of courage and positivity, Dagmar continues to embrace life fully.