Whereas, The incidence of low vision that leads to blindness now increases yearly, making the need for medical eye research and low vision help acutely needed; and,

Whereas, Retinitis Pigentosa International was founded by Helen Harris and her family for the purpose of bringing awareness and medical research funds to degenerative blindness and better testing and quality of life programs for children and adults; and,

Whereas, The Harris family has proven in 30 years that one person and one family can make a difference in changing the attitudes of others even under challenging odds; and,

Whereas, The organization has brought information and education about medical research and the needs of the blind community to the White House and to the United States Congress for the purpose of curing blindness and providing better quality education and employment opportunities to those living with blindness; and,

Whereas, Under the director of R.P. International, the first medical book was written for scholars on eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, including night blindness, legal blindness and information not recognized in previous documentation, and programs, including public service, the first telethon, newspaper articles, publicity and talk show presentations to draw attention to the overlooked needs of the blind; and,

Whereas, Today, the future of medical research for degenerative blindness has improved tremendously through these efforts, and now, hope for reversing blindness is a reality for many of our citizens; and,

Whereas, New technology of audio description for motion pictures and television has been brought to the forefront by founder Helen Harris, allowing blind viewers an equal opportunity to have movies, television and other visual media described in a way to be included in everyday life; and,

Whereas, Upon the 30th Anniversary of R.P. International, whose persistent and tenacious efforts have brought hope and quality of life enhancement to millions; and now therefore be it,